A notorious serial killer, dubbed the Golden State Killer, who haunted California for over a decade, was ultimately apprehended due to a unique detail – the small size of his genitals. The People vs. the Golden State Killer, a newly released book by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, delves into the chilling investigation that led to the capture of Joseph DeAngelo, the infamous perpetrator responsible for a spree of crimes that plagued California from 1974 to 1986.
DeAngelo, now 80 years old, confessed to 13 murders, over 50 rapes, and more than 100 burglaries. Previously a police officer, he exploited his law enforcement background to target and assault his victims, often invading homes under the cover of darkness and subjecting his victims to horrifying ordeals.
Investigators meticulously pieced together evidence to connect the elderly suspect detained in 2018 to the elusive killer who had eluded capture for decades. A crucial corroborating detail came from the victims themselves, who had described the perpetrator’s abnormally small genitalia.
Upon DeAngelo’s arrest at his residence in Citrus Heights, authorities obtained a warrant for a thorough medical examination. Officers were tasked with documenting DeAngelo’s anatomy to compare it with witness descriptions. The process involved a police photographer capturing multiple angles of DeAngelo’s genitals, revealing a remarkably diminutive size.
Despite the humiliating nature of the revelation, this detail aligned with victim testimonies from the 1970s and 80s, solidifying the case against DeAngelo. His capture marked the conclusion of a lengthy pursuit by law enforcement, culminating in his identification through genealogical tracing and DNA analysis in 2018.
DeAngelo ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple charges, avoiding the death penalty. Families impacted by his crimes found closure during a poignant sentencing hearing where survivors and relatives shared their harrowing experiences. Currently incarcerated at California State Prison in Corcoran, DeAngelo serves multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.