Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., known as the Golden State Killer, is an American former police officer who was convicted as a serial killer, rapist, and burglar. He is responsible for at least 13 murders, over 50 rapes, and more than 120 burglaries committed across California between 1974 and 1986. His crimes, which terrorized multiple communities, were attributed to several monikers, including the East Area Rapist and the Visalia Ransacker, before he was identified.
DeAngelo's case is notable for the scale and brutality of his decades-long crime spree, as well as his background in law enforcement, which aided his ability to evade capture. His eventual identification and arrest in 2018, achieved through pioneering investigative genetic genealogy, marked a significant breakthrough in cold case investigations and brought long-awaited closure to victims and their families.
Recently, DeAngelo has returned to the news due to new disclosures about his capture and conviction. Recent reports from late 2025 have highlighted previously undisclosed details of the investigation, including a prosecutor's account and a book by a district attorney revealing the inside story. Some headlines have also focused on specific, unusual evidence reportedly used in the case.
These developments have renewed public interest in one of America's most notorious criminal cases, offering further insight into the investigative process that finally ended his decades of anonymity. The continued coverage underscores the lasting impact of his crimes on the public consciousness and criminal justice procedures.
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