In 1968, Rodney Alcala flees Los Angeles after the rape and attempted murder of an 8-year-old girl. He moves to New York, where he changes his name to John Berger and enrolls in NYU's film department. For three years, Alcala spends his summers upstate, where he works as a camp counselor for children until he is recognized from an FBI wanted poster.

In 1977, posing as a successful photographer, Alcala hunts the streets for victims, killing multiple women. The next year, he goes on "The Dating Game" show.

In 1979 on Huntington Beach, a young girl goes missing and is later found dead in a wooded area. The only lead is a sketch composite that resembles Alcala.