Scott Weinberger

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff.

And this is Anatomy of Murder.

And this is Anatomy of Murder.

But back in the 1970s, this particular part of California became infamous for another reason. serial murder. The San Francisco Bay Area was an absolute hunting ground for prolific killers like Edward Kemper, who murdered 10, the still unidentified Zodiac killer, who killed at least five, and of course, Ted Bundy, who sexually assaulted and killed dozens of young women.

But back in the 1970s, this particular part of California became infamous for another reason. serial murder. The San Francisco Bay Area was an absolute hunting ground for prolific killers like Edward Kemper, who murdered 10, the still unidentified Zodiac killer, who killed at least five, and of course, Ted Bundy, who sexually assaulted and killed dozens of young women.

And as it turns out, Palo Alto was the home to yet another predator who, until recently, had gone unidentified for more than 40 years.

And as it turns out, Palo Alto was the home to yet another predator who, until recently, had gone unidentified for more than 40 years.

Here's Sergeant Noe Cortez from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department, who has headed the Cold Case Division since 2016.

Here's Sergeant Noe Cortez from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department, who has headed the Cold Case Division since 2016.

If you're not familiar with this area, Palo Alto and Santa Clara County, it's just stunningly beautiful country. And according to friends, Leslie had the idea to commission a local artist to create a painting of the landscape as a gift for her mother. Her plan after leaving work was to scout the perfect location, thinking she'd be up and back before sunset.

If you're not familiar with this area, Palo Alto and Santa Clara County, it's just stunningly beautiful country. And according to friends, Leslie had the idea to commission a local artist to create a painting of the landscape as a gift for her mother. Her plan after leaving work was to scout the perfect location, thinking she'd be up and back before sunset.

The deputy returned about midnight and Leslie's Chevy Orange Nova was still there. He did another search of the area but found no one. So he decided to contact the registered owner, who was Leslie's mom.

The deputy returned about midnight and Leslie's Chevy Orange Nova was still there. He did another search of the area but found no one. So he decided to contact the registered owner, who was Leslie's mom.

So this young woman who was very scheduled, very regimented, she hadn't called and she hadn't shown up at home. Police had found her car, but no sign of Leslie anywhere except a pair of shoes in the backseat. There must have been an overwhelming feeling that something was very wrong.

So this young woman who was very scheduled, very regimented, she hadn't called and she hadn't shown up at home. Police had found her car, but no sign of Leslie anywhere except a pair of shoes in the backseat. There must have been an overwhelming feeling that something was very wrong.

And thankfully, there was one person who called into the police with what could be some very valuable information.

And thankfully, there was one person who called into the police with what could be some very valuable information.

As far as investigators could tell, no other person had been inside the car with Leslie before she disappeared. The search for her continued by air, and nearly 24 hours after she had gone missing, officers spotted something about a mile from Leslie's vehicle.

As far as investigators could tell, no other person had been inside the car with Leslie before she disappeared. The search for her continued by air, and nearly 24 hours after she had gone missing, officers spotted something about a mile from Leslie's vehicle.