Dennis Kaufman’s Photo Chicanery – Part One
Dennis Kaufman turned over three rolls of film to the FBI. They gave them back and said they were nothing more than family photos. But, Dennis hasn’t given up, yet. He gave more photos to Dr. Stephen Dewhurst to develop and has even had some of the photos published on TV and the Internet. But, are these photos images of murder or "snuff film"?
Remember, all of this is coming from a man who claims that Jack Tarrance had "bomb diagrams." Those photos are plainly electrical diagrams for normal, benign purposes. One is a diagram for an alternator. Another is for a defrost circuit for a freezer. Another is a circuit containing a relay. Even if you’re not familiar with electrical diagrams, it’s not that hard to decipher –the drawings are labeled in Jack Tarrance’s own writing. Nowhere on the paper does it say "bomb," "explosive," or even anything close. yet, that doesn’t stop Dennis from turning them into something sinister and evil. Is he doing the same with these photos? That sort of appears to be the case. Read on to hear why we think Dennis Kaufman and his photo claims are bogus.
Kaufman claims to have found photographs and negatives among his stepfather’s things. He says these photos depict gruesome murders. Kaufman claims that his stepfather, Jack Tarrance, was the Zodiac Killer. With the aid of Dr. Stephen Dewhurst and CBS13 of Sacramento, Dennis Kaufman has brought these photos to the eye of the public by claiming that the subjects in the pictures are victims of Jack Tarrance. CBS13′s Kris Pickel ran a story with the title "‘Snuff Films’ Could Hold Answers In Zodiac Case." The story relates that Kaufman said the photo of the tattooed man was on a single roll of film he developed prior to giving evidence the FBI. Pickel wrote, "The picture is graphic; A dead, bloody body. Dennis Kaufman says the picture came from a roll of film he found in his stepfather’s belongings after he died." But are these photos anything of the sort? Is it possible that there is a more reasonable explanation to the origins of the photographs? This post intends to sort through the claims and innuendo and get to the facts.
After speaking to some sources close to Dennis and after examining the photographs shown by CBS13 closely and with the aid of digital enhancement, I think it is safe to say that these photos have nothing to do with murder. I intend to show that these photos do nothing to indicate that Jack Tarrance so much as killed a fly, much less a human. However, this doesn’t mean that Tarrance was an angel or a saint. Far from that, Tarrance was a cruel, disgusting person. Despite that fact, there has been no proof to date that he was the Zodiac Killer.
Let’s start with that photo of an allegedly unidentified man. Even thought this photograph wasn’t found at the same time as the other photos shown in the CBS13 article, it was shown with them. Perhaps this was to add mystery to the other photographs. But, as has been revealed very recently, this is not a photograph of a murder at all.
A man named Richard Larsen has recently come forward with the identity of the man in the photograph. CrimeShadows News has interviewed Mr. Larsen. What he has to say may be very revealing and insightful. He has a lot to say about Dennis Kaufman and Jack Tarrance. Is Rick Larsen telling the truth? That is for you to decide.
Below are the questions I asked Mr. Larsen and the answers he provided:
What is your name and in what capacity do you know Dennis Kaufman?
Richard Larsen Sr. I’m 45 yrs old. Known to my friends as Hillbilly Rick. Being raised in Ark it kinda fits.
For how long have you known Dennis Kaufman?
I have known Dennis since he was 15 or 16 years old –so about 27 years. My brother met him through Janeva (Dennis and Mary’s other sister) My brother was dating her at the time and Dennis had left home or got kicked out. Don’t really remember. He had nowhere to go, so I let him stay at my place for awhile. This was a couple months before I met Mary
.
Would you say that you know him well?
How well does a big brother know a little brother? I would say pretty well. I’m the guy that taught Dennis how to shave, drive, paint, and many other things that you would do with any kid. I can’t begin to tell you how many fishing and camping trips we took together or the trips to the bay area. He worked for me and lived with me for 2 years. We even got into the meth thing together. It about destroyed us. I stopped he didn’t.
How would you describe your current relationship with Dennis Kaufman?
Dennis has had problems with me for years. Lots of theories why –from jealousy to religion. I’m Christian. (He’s a) Satanist. Whatever the problem, Dennis has had issue with me on and off for years. Even before I said anything on this, he wrote on his web page about me. I really pity him. He’s lost his mind. As we speak, he is saying I killed his mother.
It has been alleged that you are merely seeking vengeance against Dennis for some past issues. Is there any truth to this? Do you have any reason to be vindictive toward Dennis?
Had I been seeking vengeance I would have had him arrested many times over the years. Even by his own admission he has assaulted me and I did not have him arrested. So much for being a nice guy. I have had to put restraining orders against him and have had them removed so he wouldn’t be alone on the holidays.
What about Jack Tarrance? How well did you know him? Please describe your relationship.
My relationship with Jack grew over time. At first I didn’t even know Jack was around. Him and Nora had split up. But after a while maybe a couple of weeks into December of 1982. He started coming around. He could care less for me or the kids. He only wanted to come home. After being around for about 7 months, Jack said if I was going to be around so much I might as well move in and pay rent. So I did. June 5, 1983. From that time forward, Dennis and I started having our problems. Dennis was very jealous about the friendship Jack and I was building. I spent a lot of time with Jack. We got into our arguments and we also cried together. Jack was at my mother’s funeral. I have known Jack for about 26 years.
You have indicated in comments on various websites, including CrimeShadows News, that you know the identity of the man in a photo that Dennis has implied or otherwise indicated is a murder victim. Who is this man and what can you tell us about him?
The tattoo man’s name is Noel Shaw. He died in Port Huron, Michigan on January 3, 1997 from a fall off a bridge. He is Dennis’s sister’s boyfriend –the father of her first daughter. Dennis told Dennise he had a friend that could help solve what happened to him (in Dennis’s eyes every thing has a angle). So she sent him the pictures believing her big brother would only help.
When and how did you first become aware of the (death) photo you claim to be that of Noel Shaw?
I first saw the pics on Dennis web page. I went to the CBS13 link and found the caption "Zodiac Snuff Film." Couldn’t believe what I saw. I have been out of the loop for about a year and a half as I lived where we did not have Internet. The only info we got was from Dennis. I really was only seeing what was new.
Was Dennis Kaufman acquainted with Noel Shaw?
Dennis never met Noel. But knew of him from his sister Dennise.
Do you think Dennis would have ever seen or been familiar with the tattoo depicted in the photograph we are discussing?
I can’t see how Dennis couldn’t have known. The tattoo is of Noel’s first daughter’s initials. Alexis Noel Lynn Shaw. With the peace sign under the letters. Dennis knew who it was when he showed it. No doubt about it.
There is a photo of a small boy with blonde hair in some of the photos given to CBS13. He is unidentified. Do you have any idea who he may be?
I don’t know anything about the small child on the film. I don’t see it as relevant. The child does not look harmed in any way. The rest of the pics are like ink blots a psych might use. They are up to personal impressions. Jack does have at least 25 grandchildren.
What about any of the other "evidence" given by Dennis to law enforcement? Can you tell us about anything we may not be aware of that might call these items into question?
The hood is phony. I have seen at least 3.
It has been claimed in news articles that you have supported Jack Tarrance as a Zodiac suspect. Is this still true?
I did think Jack could have been the Zodiac. That is one reason I am doing this. I know how compelling his evidence can look. But after truly looking into the (Zodiac Killer) profile and the real facts, Jack doesn’t fit. Jack had real problems with sex. He liked liked them young. He would never have crossed the line of murder without a sexual assault. I asked Denny (Jack’s biological son, not to be confused with Dennis) once if he thought Jack could be the Zodiac and he said, "No. No one was raped." He also told me that Jack had molested all his children. Jack spent some time in a nut house in 1968 for molesting his third wife’s daughter.
What has made you change your mind about Tarrance being the Zodiac Killer?
About 3 months before he died I asked him why he was allowing Dennis to do these things to him and allow him to say these things about him. His reply floored me. He said "I did a lot of bad things to him," and then started telling me that he had molested a lot of children when he was drinking a lot. He said he molested children –from 5 to 10 boys and girls. He also said that he was hoping his children would forgive him. After this I had nothing to do with him. I didn’t know what to say. When he died I and his son Charlie had him cremated. We did not want Dennis to start cutting him up.
Do you think that Jack Tarrance was in any way responsible for the death of Dennis’s mother?
There is no way Jack killed Nora. Dennis is now saying I did it. After he had someone else say Jack admitted to it. After Dennis himself, in his story about how his mom died, that he was on the phone with Nora up until 5 or 6 minutes before her death. Nora died of natural causes. Dennis even is accusing U.C. Davis Med Center of covering it up. Really sad.
Do you think that Dennis actually believes that Jack Tarrance is the Zodiac Killer?
Dennis knows Jack didn’t do this. He set him up.
Do you have any reason for believing that Dennis may be perpetrating a fraud?
I do not believe anything from Dennis.
Has Dennis ever discussed any plans of making money from his claim that Jack Tarrance is the Zodiac Killer?
Dennis has sold the book rights to (Dr. Stephen) Dewhurst for a large sum of money and has always said he is making a movie. Not to mention the DVD he tries to sell. He has sold the rights to this so many times.
Do you think that Jack Tarrance is capable of committing murder?
Jack had a dark side. When he drank, he was a monster –but, I never knew that Jack. We didn’t drink together. I only knew the sober Jack.
Do you think he has done so?
Jack was as capable of killing someone as anyone is. In a fight or when scared for his life maybe. He did tell me he ran over some guys in a fight to get away. And another time he stabbed a guy in a fight. He never said he killed anyone.
Are there any issues that I have not addressed that you would like to elaborate on?
I want people to know the truth. I have nothing to hide or gain. I want nothing more than to (go) back to my hermit life and make all this go away. But people need to know. A lot of people believed that some suspect was ID’d in this or that the police can’t do their jobs and this Hero was going to save the day. How much heartache has been done to the real victims families of the (Zodiac)? Hoping that they might get answers. Only to be left with a empty hole.
Do you have anything you would like to add or any statement you wish to make public?
I would like to say to Denny (that) I’m sorry. I really thought people would see Dennis for what he is. Secondly, people need to remember these are real people, with real lives not just a name on a screen. Thank you for letting me have my say.
(Note: Dennis Kaufman was asked to present his side of the issue for our readers. He did not respond. He wasn’t too busy; He always reads my email and my blogs. He cannot evict anyone who disagrees with him here. That being the case, he’s probably aware of just how foolish his version would look side by side with the truth. I am sure he would rather just evade the subject and resort to name-calling on his message board. So, if you want to hear his side of the story, you are out of luck. He has been given the opportunity.)
(Note: Some images used in this post may be copyrighted by other parties and not authorized for publication. CrimeShadowsNews believes that the use of such images in the above context constitutes "fair use" according to U.S. law.)
Coming Up: What about those other photos shown by CBS13? Dr. Stephen Dewhurst says he sees dead people. CrimeShadows news takes a closer look.
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Great article
August 15th, 2009 at 3:21 AMI find it very interesting that when Richard Larson comments on Dennis board you can hardly read and understand his posts because his thoughts are incoherent and spelling atrocious. Literally you cannot follow what he is saying.
What you have posted here is totally coherent and everything spelled correctly. A little suspicious if you ask me. He even admits he is a horrible speller. IMO doesn't even seem like the same person or it has been “cleaned up” considerably.
August 17th, 2009 at 9:02 PMThe post was edited for spelling and grammar. I'm sorry you find that suspicious. It's a pretty common practice. I assure you there aren't any cover-ups or conspiracies going on. I will give you credit for being observant –at least your tinfoil hat hasn't slid down over your eyes.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:20 PMI think that is exactly my point. Why don't you let the public see him as he is and judge his credibility for themselves. I read his posts with interest and hopefully an open mind but his contradictory statements and angry outbursts towards Dennis mad me realize what we were in the middle of was a “he said/he said” family squabble. There are probably a lifetime of hard feelings on both sides. That doesn't make his opinions exactly unbiased.
IMO, the “editing for spelling and grammar” give him a credibility he doesn't deserve. Again, not trying to be argumentative, but IMO.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:35 PMIf everyone quit using spellcheck, there would be a major decrease in legibility across the Internet. My post wasn't about Mr. Larsen's spelling, but, rather what he had to say. I invited Dennis to share his side of the issue, he declined. My request was sincere and I would have treated him fairly. Instead, he did exactly as I predicted and stayed within the safety of his message board, where he can delete dissenting account holders and dish out profanity at anyone who disagrees with him. He can't do that here. Instead, his fans come here and leave anonymous comments that fail to address the issue of topic and focus on semantics.
If you want to see posts that are written without any regard for spelling or grammar, try reading some of Dennis's. His grasp of the English language is almost as slippery as the grip he has on reality.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:48 PMYea I know I cant spell worth a damned . Ark. education When I posted on Dennis Kuafmans Web site I was at the least not happy and people over on that site are cruel and unrenting in saveing face. No matter what DK said about me one place someone else {i believe DK plays many parts on his board} at a defferent thread was aking something else cant say Im used to the way the cyber world is. No one on that site gave a damn that dennis has been lieing to them all they wanted was to rip me apart.Dennis changes his story to fit the moment If you can't see that you need to read his post the way you did mine. I would never call my sister alier when she says she has been molisted. and I would never try to profit from my families loose.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:22 AMNo I can not spell but I think for myself. You sound like you need some help with this. Read Dennis's Story on his mothers death and remember we are talking my wifes mom too. Now when did I make Dennis Pay for his assualt. No matter what He addmits to hitting me . I do not have him arrested. I by all legal rights could have but didnt. He says he was banned from the hospital and calls his mom at 4;00 and has a nurse hold the phone to his moms ear. At 4;10 Charlie pages and says moms died at 4;08 When did he say Jack killed Nora. Then he gets a confession that doesnt fit. So he says I did it..And no one says a damn thing. You say put me out and see if I deserve creditabilty because I cant spell. You have a low standard. I have always said who I am and I have always stated what was on my mind dont care what any of you think about me. I am a old man with a real good life.Nothing that comes from this will change that. That is not the case for all involved. You dont have to like me I dont care but you should listen.My past seems to be of interest trust me its not that good.
. Ask youself what would you do if you just found out all that was going on Dont judge me you dont know anything about this. If you are listening to DEnnis you are sheep heading for the slaughter. I was only a warning from trhe dark. You dont have to listen.
The only thing that really comes to my mind when reading this interview is that these are biased personal attacks made by bitter rivals. It's really hard for me to understand why anyone would lie about any of this. I am unsure on which side I could take, if any…
Interesting interview and site!
August 25th, 2009 at 10:41 PMAllow me to explain: I think Richard has displayed enough of his style of writing elsewhere. As a webmaster, I have to consider the reader –this was lengthy post. If it were only few short comments, I would have cut and pasted. This was an interview. Richard Larsen's spelling and grammar have no more to do with the issue than Dennis's displays of petulance. I think that one of the main points I have been trying to make has been agreed to by both sides: The man in the photo is Noel Shaw. That means the photo is not of an “unidentified murder victim” as was earlier alleged. Remember that this photo was presented in conjunction with other, less interesting, very blurry photos in an effort to add some mystique.
I have no intention of taking sides in a family feud. I am only trying to sort out the truth. As I have said, I personally invited Dennis to share his side of the issue. If the article appears one-sided –as has been alleged by friends of Dennis, it is not because I have not made every effort to be accommodating. I have even provided a link back to Dennis's site and message board so anyone who wants to hear what Dennis has to say about the issue (or read his attacks of me personally) can do so.
Thank you for your comments, and for visiting this site. I agree with you; the bitterness and personal attacks do not make getting to the truth any easier.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:05 AMThank you for cleaning up my interview, it seems editing has always been a part of journalism.I stand behind every word edited or not. I have opened a web page for though of you who would like to see what I have. This is not about Dennis and I, it's about the victims some are family {NOEL SHAW}.Some are victims of crimes long ago [Miss. COLE] I am doing this because I am the only one who can. I am one of the only people that has enough information on Jack and his family to stand up against such lies. I am only doing what is right.
August 26th, 2009 at 1:02 AMIt would be nice if there were photographs of Noel Shaw alive just for clarification to the public. (I am unsure if there are any available.) A shot with his tattoo would be golden in helping to clarify it is really him. –Not to say I disbelieve anyone!
I hope this can all be resolved between everyone involved. Best wishes!
August 26th, 2009 at 1:59 AMOh, and I didn't mean to suggest that you're entire article was biased or that you were personally attacking anyone. It sounded more like a family feud between the interviewee and the Z accuser.
It has also been a couple of years since I have even researched anything about Zodiac. I just ran across this site while Googling and found it to be quite informational.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:21 AMThe only thing that really comes to my mind when reading this interview is that these are biased personal attacks made by bitter rivals. It's really hard for me to understand why anyone would lie about any of this. I am unsure on which side I could take, if any…
Interesting interview and site!
August 26th, 2009 at 3:41 AMAllow me to explain: I think Richard has displayed enough of his style of writing elsewhere. As a webmaster, I have to consider the reader –this was lengthy post. If it were only few short comments, I would have cut and pasted. This was an interview. Richard Larsen's spelling and grammar have no more to do with the issue than Dennis's displays of petulance. I think that one of the main points I have been trying to make has been agreed to by both sides: The man in the photo is Noel Shaw. That means the photo is not of an “unidentified murder victim” as was earlier alleged. Remember that this photo was presented in conjunction with other, less interesting, very blurry photos in an effort to add some mystique.
I have no intention of taking sides in a family feud. I am only trying to sort out the truth. As I have said, I personally invited Dennis to share his side of the issue. If the article appears one-sided –as has been alleged by friends of Dennis, it is not because I have not made every effort to be accommodating. I have even provided a link back to Dennis's site and message board so anyone who wants to hear what Dennis has to say about the issue (or read his attacks of me personally) can do so.
Thank you for your comments, and for visiting this site. I agree with you; the bitterness and personal attacks do not make getting to the truth any easier.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:05 AMThank you for cleaning up my interview, it seems editing has always been a part of journalism.I stand behind every word edited or not. I have opened a web page for though of you who would like to see what I have. This is not about Dennis and I, it's about the victims some are family {NOEL SHAW}.Some are victims of crimes long ago [Miss. COLE] I am doing this because I am the only one who can. I am one of the only people that has enough information on Jack and his family to stand up against such lies. I am only doing what is right.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:02 AMIt would be nice if there were photographs of Noel Shaw alive just for clarification to the public. (I am unsure if there are any available.) A shot with his tattoo would be golden in helping to clarify it is really him. –Not to say I disbelieve anyone!
I hope this can all be resolved between everyone involved. Best wishes!
August 26th, 2009 at 6:59 AMOh, and I didn't mean to suggest that you're entire article was biased or that you were personally attacking anyone. It sounded more like a family feud between the interviewee and the Z accuser.
It has also been a couple of years since I have even researched anything about Zodiac. I just ran across this site while Googling and found it to be quite informational.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:21 AMthe tattoo on my Big Brother Noel's arm are the initials ANLS which stands for Alexandria Noel Lynn Shaw. I am disgusted by just finding this out & am seeking any and all help to remove these pictures before his daughter stumbles accross them as I just have. May the man trying to get his 15 min of fame get an eternity in HELL!
May 7th, 2010 at 5:40 PMThe man behind the publication of this photo is Dennis Kaufman, who is indeed seeking fame and a bit of money from the use of certain photos. This photo will be removed from this site ASAP, however, other copies exist at the sites of news agencies where Dennis has released them for publication and at his own message board here: http://denniskaufman.websitetoolbox.com
Good luck in getting them removed; Dennis is not known for his cooperation.
I sincerely apologize for any further pain or grief this image may have caused you. The sole intent of its use here was to expose Dennis's fraud. The image will be removed immediately.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:20 PM