Crime Adjacent Live Episode 581: The Temecula Hitchhiker Killer

Crime Adjacent Live Episode 581: The Temecula Hitchhiker Killer

From Crime Adjacent by Chase Patrick

June 3, 2026 · 41 min · Episode 581

About this episode

This episode explores the case of the Temecula Hitchhiker Killer, revealing the complexities behind a seemingly straightforward murder investigation.

On the morning of Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, the body of 21-year-old Monica Bixby was discovered behind bushes and berms along a desolate stretch of Highway 79 in Temecula, California. The aspiring film student had been bound, stabbed, and then strangled the previous night, following a date with an on again, off again lover that did not end well.  To police, this initially seemed like an open and shut case.  It was the boyfriend, case closed. But the more they investigated, the more this case began to unravel.  And although it took years and a secret plan to unspool a key suspect's alibi, one dedicated detective would discover that Monica was not the only victim in this case. There was a previously unknown serial killer prowling a rural stretch of highway in Southern California. This is Crime Adjacent episode 581: The case of the Temecula Hitchhiker Killer, told live in Portland during our tour. OK, profilers. Can you solve an unsolvable murder? Join host and serial killer survivor Chase Patrick live on stage for Crime Adjacent, the world’s biggest true crime podcast. Every week, at shows across the country, Chase reopens the most haunting, enduring mysteries from…

People in this episode

Host: Chase Patrick

Topics covered

  • true crime
  • serial killer
  • unsolved murder
  • investigation
  • psychological thriller

Keywords

  • Temecula Hitchhiker Killer
  • Monica Bixby
  • true crime
  • serial killer
  • unsolved murder

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Temecula, California

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