Her killer, Craig Alan Peyer (born March 16, 1950 to Harold and Eileen Peyer), was a police officer and 13-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). At Peyer’s trial, it was revealed that he had been targeting women along the interstate and had made predatory sexual advances on multiple female drivers. He was convicted of Knott’s murder in 1988.
I knew this case sounded familiar. He was on TV a few days later (face scratches and all) giving tips on how female drivers should defend themselves.
I think it was an episode of Forensic Files where I first saw this case, and I recall that interview/PSA being pretty creepy and brazen.