The Golden State Killer

Introduction

Today, we are going to talk about forensic science and how it is used in real-life scenarios. In the late 20th century, a serial killer and criminal terrorized the State of California, US, much like Jack the Ripper did in London during the Victorian Era. The authorities tried to catch him, but somehow, he always managed to escape… until they discovered and began using forensic science, which essentially amplifies the DNA samples found on the victim's body or on evidence from the crime scene, making them large and clear enough for the authorities to localize the criminal. Now that that’s settled, let’s take a closer look at this whole detective story…

The Golden State Killer

The Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist, the Original Night Stalker, and the Visalia rapist, has terrorized the State of California for years during the 70s and 80s. He was charged with homicide, rapes, and thefts, breaking into houses during the night, raping the women present, and stealing their IDs, coins, and jewelry. His main victims were women alone at home, women with children at home, and later on even couples. He would tie them both up, rape the female, and then kill them both. An example of such victims was Brian and Katie Maggiore.

Investigation and Challenges

The FBI and local police sheriffs and officers tried to identify and locate him, but with no results. He somehow managed to slip through their hands. His last known crime occurred in May 1986 with the murder of 18-year-old Janelle Cruz. After that, the case went cold as modern DNA profiling and analysis were nonexistent. When the crimes were committed, technologies such as cell phones, neighborhood surveillance cameras, and DNA testing were not available, and in many areas, not even the 911 emergency system was present.

In 2016, the Golden State Killer case was reopened after the FBI made a public announcement requesting anyone who might have clues or information about the individual behind the Californian crimes to come forward. The authorities promised to keep confidentiality and secrecy about the origins of the reports and promised a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

Breakthrough and Arrest

Using the new DNA profiling methods, the police department managed to withdraw DNA samples from the victims' clothes, and forensic scientists used Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) to trace the individual. They used DNA samples from the public database, given voluntarily by family members, to trace the family that the killer came from. Once identified, they looked for individuals in that family who might fit the description they had about him. The police were looking for a tall, white Californian man around 70-75 years old. After much investigation, they found their suspect, supervised him, and took a sample of DNA from him, from a tissue thrown in the trash. The two DNA samples matched, and the local authorities finally had all the necessary evidence, arresting the Golden State Killer in April 2018.

DeAngelo’s Trial and Sentence

The 72-year-old California man was identified as Joseph James DeAngelo, who was brought to trial in front of his victims and their families. He pleaded guilty to raping more than 50 women and murdering 13 people in the 1970s and 1980s. As part of a plea deal, he also admitted to crimes he had not been charged with, according to CNN. DeAngelo was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

The Impact of Modern Forensic Science

This case was the first cold case to be solved using modern DNA profiling, according to certain sources. It was followed by many other solved cold cases, thanks to modern forensic science development and discoveries, as well as the development of DNA profiling and analysis.