California’s notorious serial killer, who spread fear for over a decade, faced justice thanks to a unique identifying factor – his unusually small genitalia.
A recent publication by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, titled The People vs. the Golden State Killer, reveals the intense inquiry that led to the apprehension of Joseph DeAngelo, also known as the Golden State Killer, after years of terror.
DeAngelo, now 80 years old, confessed to 13 murders, over 50 rapes, and more than 100 burglaries that plagued California from 1974 to 1986. Formerly a police officer, he utilized his law enforcement background to prey on and assault victims, often breaking into homes at night to carry out brutal attacks.
Ho’s book illustrates how investigators meticulously pieced together evidence to connect the frail elderly man they arrested in 2018 with the sadistic criminal who had eluded justice for decades.
A crucial piece of confirmation came from the victims themselves, as several had described the perpetrator’s unusually small genitalia.
Upon DeAngelo’s arrest at his Citrus Heights residence, detectives obtained a warrant for a comprehensive medical examination. Officers were tasked with documenting DeAngelo’s anatomy to compare against witness descriptions.
The author recounts a surreal moment where a police photographer had to capture detailed images of DeAngelo’s genitals, only to express frustration at the lack of visibility.
After meticulous documentation, it was evident that DeAngelo’s genitalia were remarkably small, a detail that aligned with victim statements from the past and solidified the case against him.
DeAngelo’s apprehension marked the end of a long pursuit by law enforcement. Known by various aliases such as the East Area Rapist, the Original Night Stalker, and the Golden State Killer, he had evaded capture despite an extensive manhunt.
The breakthrough occurred in 2018 when investigators uploaded crime-scene DNA to a genealogy website, leading them to the DeAngelo family through genetic tracing.
Subsequently, DNA collected from a discarded tissue outside DeAngelo’s home perfectly matched samples from the crime scenes, conclusively linking him to the murders.
The former police officer, dismissed for theft, was exposed as the mastermind behind a reign of terror spanning three decades.
In 2020, facing overwhelming evidence, DeAngelo pleaded guilty to multiple charges, avoiding the death penalty. Survivors and victims’ families shared impact statements during a sentencing hearing, finally bringing closure after years of anguish.
DeAngelo is now serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole at California State Prison in Corcoran.
At Reach and our affiliated entities, we and our partners use cookies and other identifiers to enhance site experience, analyze usage, and display personalized ads. You can manage your data preferences by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” option on our site. By using our services, you consent to our use of cookies as outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
