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Z340 cipher cracked: 51 years of zodiac killer code decoded

Z340 Cipher | Cracked After 51 Years by Amateur Codebreakers

By

Rajiv Kapoor

Jul 19, 2025, 07:57 PM

Edited By

Jasmine Moon

2 minutes of reading

Three amateur codebreakers celebrate as they reveal the cracked Z340 cipher linked to the Zodiac Killer.

In a remarkable turn of events, the Z340 cipher of the Zodiac Killer has been cracked by three amateur codebreakers, not the FBI or CIA. Their success comes over five decades after the code's initial creation, revealing a taunt from one of Americaโ€™s most infamous criminals.

The Message Revealed

The decoded message offers chilling insight into the mind of the Zodiac Killer. It appears to be a bold taunt, showcasing the killer's arrogance and delusions. This breakthrough, achieved in 2020, highlights the brilliant efforts of David Oranchak, Sam Blake, and Jarl van Eycke.

"The precise how is a bit beyond my understanding of the math involved," commented one forum participant, reflecting the complexity of their work.

How They Did It

The trio used a combination of pattern analysis, custom algorithms, and an original tool called AZdecrypt, developed by Jarl van Eycke. This innovative software played a crucial role in cracking a code that had stumped many experts for years.

A commentator added, "No tips from inside sourcesโ€”just a lot of brilliant, patient work."

Community Reactions

Responses to the breakthrough have varied. Some find the message underwhelming, dismissing it as merely "average for schizo-posting." Others celebrate the achievement as an incredible intellectual feat.

Curiously, some comments speculate about connections to prominent figures like Ted Cruz:

"If Ted Cruz really did whisper the solution to them, I hope they at least bought him a drink after." This comment hints at the intertwining of pop culture and crime lore that often captivates true crime enthusiasts.

Key Insights

  • Innovative Tools: The use of AZdecrypt was pivotal.

  • Amateur Achievement: Experts failed, but amateurs succeeded.

  • Community Engagement: Mixed reactions show diverse public sentiment.

"This is neat how they did it, although it's a bit beyond my math understanding," notes another commenter, recognizing the technical skill involved.

Linking technical breakthroughs in cryptography with a true crime undertone highlights a fascinating aspect of modern investigations. The implications of this revelation continue to stir debates in various online communities.

Closing Thoughts

The decoding of the Zodiac's Z340 cipher sparks various reactions, from intrigue to skepticism. As discussions persist, this event underscores the potential for amateur efforts to drive significant breakthroughs in long-standing cases.

What Lies Ahead for Zodiac Investigations

Experts predict increased attention on the Zodiac Killer case, especially after the recent breakthrough with the Z340 cipher. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that law enforcement agencies will revisit cold cases using new technological methods to achieve results similar to those of the amateur codebreakers. This could prompt the creation of more such communities where enthusiasts analyze unsolved mysteries, potentially leading to the uncovering of new evidence or even identifying suspects. Given the public's interest, experts estimate around a 60% likelihood that new developments will emerge within the next few years, fueling both speculation and debate in various forums.

A Twist in the Tale of True Crime

The reaction to the Z340 cipher's decoding echoes the historical curiosity around the unsolved case of D.B. Cooper, who hijacked a plane in 1971 and vanished without a trace. Much like the Zodiac case, Cooper's story has inspired countless amateur sleuths and theories, creating a subculture of investigation and speculation that continues to this day. Just as with the Zodiac, the hunt for D.B. Cooper epitomizes humanityโ€™s obsession with mystery, showcasing how the unresolved residues of crime serve as catalysts for community engagement and creativity, leading people to new interpretations of the past.