Who is the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo?

Joseph DeAngelo is the serial killer and rapist identified as the Golden State Killer, responsible for numerous crimes in California during the 1970s and 1980s.

How was Joseph DeAngelo caught?

Joseph DeAngelo was identified and apprehended in 2018 using genetic genealogy, a groundbreaking technique in law enforcement.

What sentence did Joseph DeAngelo receive?

Joseph DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of murder and received a sentence of life in prison without parole.

Home / Crime and Justice / Golden State Killer: The Shocking Life of Joseph DeAngelo

Golden State Killer: The Shocking Life of Joseph DeAngelo

1 Jan

•

Summary

Joseph DeAngelo was identified as the Golden State Killer using genetic genealogy.
He avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to 13 murders.
DeAngelo was arrested in Citrus Heights, a Sacramento suburb, in 2018.

Golden State Killer: The Shocking Life of Joseph DeAngelo

For over four decades, authorities pursued a serial killer terrorizing Californians through murders and rapes. Joseph DeAngelo, known by multiple aliases including the Golden State Killer, was identified in 2018 using genetic genealogy. The then-72-year-old former police officer resided in Citrus Heights, a suburb of Sacramento.

DeAngelo was apprehended in April 2018 by a specialized apprehension team. During his arrest, he expressed surprise, stating he had a roast in the oven, unaware that his crimes were finally catching up to him. His home was found to be meticulously neat, containing a notable quantity of Dr. Pepper, a drink consumed at some crime scenes.

In June 2020, DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 murder counts and other offenses, avoiding the death penalty. He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Authorities believe he may be responsible for more crimes, but he has refused to cooperate since his incarceration.