'Golden State Killer' Case
Follow the latest 'Golden State Killer' Case news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
4 years ago

How the 'Golden State Killer,' a serial rapist, murderer, evaded capture for decades

The "Golden State Killer" crimes date back to the 1970s.
4 years ago
In this June 15, 2016, file photo, law enforcement drawings of a suspected serial killer believed to have committed at least 12 murders across California in the 1970's and 1980's are displayed at a news conference about the investigation, in Sacramento, Calif.
4 years ago

‘Golden State Killer’ survivor describes impact after 1976 attack

“I just went into survival mode,” Kris Pedretti bravely recalled surviving an attack by Joseph DeAngelo the week before Christmas in December 1976.
4 years ago
VIDEO: ‘Golden State Killer’ survivor describes impact after 1976 attack
4 years ago

Golden State Killer apologizes during sentencing

A judge gave Joseph DeAngelo the absolute max sentence the court was able to give under the law.
4 years ago
VIDEO: Golden State Killer apologizes during sentencing
4 years ago

'Golden State Killer' responds in court after hearing victims' statements

Joseph DeAngelo, the man now known as the "Golden State Killer," will spend life in prison without parole.
4 years ago
Joseph James DeAngelo, who was dubbed the "Golden State Killer," speaks at his sentencing hearing in Sacramento, Calif., Aug. 21, 2020.
4 years ago

'Golden State Killer' victims address him in court: 'The devil can keep you company'

Victims of Joseph DeAngelo, the man now known as the Golden State Killer, began reading statements in court this week.
4 years ago
Joseph James DeAngelo, known as the Golden State Killer, arrives for the first day of victim impact statements at the Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse in Sacramento, Calif., Aug. 18, 2020.
4 years ago

Golden State Killer sentenced to life without parole, apologizes to victims

Joe DeAngelo, was sentenced to life without parole and said, “I admit and I am truly sorry,” to his victims in court.
4 years ago
VIDEO: Golden State Killer sentenced to life without parole, apologizes to victims
4 years ago

'I'm truly sorry,’ says 'Golden State Killer'

Joseph DeAngelo, the man now known as the "Golden State Killer," addressed the court on Friday as he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
4 years ago
'I'm truly sorry,’ says 'Golden State Killer'
4 years ago

'Golden State Killer' survivor confronts rapist: 'Remember what I have to say'

Victims and relatives of rapes outside Sacramento County are speaking Wednesday.
4 years ago
Joseph James DeAngelo sits during the second day of victim impact statements at the Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Sacramento, Calif.
4 years ago

'Golden State Killer' victims address him in court

Joseph DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder in front of dozens of victims and victims' relatives in June as part of a plea deal.
4 years ago
Joseph DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder in front of dozens of victims and victims' relatives in June as part of a plea deal.
4 years ago

'Golden State Killer' pleads guilty as horrific crimes recounted by prosecutors

Joseph DeAngelo was arrested in 2018 decades after the crime spree.
4 years ago
Former police officer Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. speaks at the Sacramento County courtroom during a hearing on crimes attributed to the Golden State Killer, in Sacramento, Calif., June 29, 2020.
4 years ago

Supreme Court strikes down abortion law in Louisiana

A 5-4 decision struck down a restrictive Louisiana law that required any doctor providing abortion services to have admitting privileges at a hospital less than 30 miles away.
4 years ago
VIDEO: Supreme Court strikes down abortion law in Louisiana
4 years ago

Former relative of 'Golden State Killer' speaks

The former brother-in-law of James Joseph DeAngelo spoke exclusively to ABC News about DeAngelo, who pleaded guilty to killing 13 people.
4 years ago
VIDEO: Former relative of 'Golden State Killer' speaks out
4 years ago

‘Golden State Killer’ pleads guilty

Joseph DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder as well as multiple rapes and burglaries.
4 years ago
 Joseph DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder as well as multiple rapes and burglaries.
6 years ago

Prosecutors to seek death penalty in 'Golden State Killer' case

Suspected "Golden State Killer" Joseph DeAngelo was arrested in April 2018.
6 years ago
Joseph James DeAngelo, suspected of being the Golden State Killer appears in Sacramento County Superior Court as prosecutors announce they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted in his case, April 10, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif.
6 years ago

Prosecutors to seek death penalty in 'Golden State Killer' case

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against suspected "Golden State Killer" Joseph DeAngelo if he is convicted of the charges against him, they announced in court in Sacramento on Wednesday.
6 years ago
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against suspected "Golden State Killer" Joseph DeAngelo if he is convicted of the charges against him, they announced in court in Sacramento on Wednesday.
6 years ago

Genetic genealogy leads to arrest in 2009 murder of 22-year-old mother

Michael Henslick was arrested Tuesday for the 2009 murder of Holly Cassano, 22.
6 years ago
An undated photo of Holly Cassano.
6 years ago

Suspected 'Golden State Killer,' accused of murders across California, to face trial

Joseph DeAngelo, a 72-year-old former police officer, was arrested this April.
6 years ago
Joseph DeAngelo, a 72-year-old former police officer, was arrested this April.
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' suspect was cop during alleged murder of professor

The suspected "Golden State Killer," Joseph DeAngelo, was arrested this April.
6 years ago
Joseph James DeAngelo appears in Sacramento Superior Court, Friday, June 1, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. He is suspected in at least a dozen killings and roughly 50 rapes in the 1970s and '80s.
6 years ago

Golden State Killer suspect charged in 13th murder

The suspected "Golden State Killer," Joseph DeAngelo, was arrested this April.
6 years ago
The suspected "Golden State Killer," Joseph DeAngelo, was arrested this April.
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' may be behind murder another man died in prison for: Attorney

William Evins was convicted in the '80s of killing Joan Anderson in 1979.
6 years ago
Joseph James Deangelo, known as "The Golden State Killer," is seen in this police booking photo, April 25, 2018, after being apprehended.
6 years ago

'He didn't look our way once:' Daughter of 'Golden State Killer' victims says

"He didn't have the courage to face his accusers," Jennifer Carole, whose father and stepmother Lyman and Charlene Smith were killed in 1980 allegedly by the "Golden State Killer," said.
6 years ago
"He didn't have the courage to face his accusers," Jennifer Carole, whose father and stepmother Lyman and Charlene Smith were killed in 1980 allegedly by the "Golden State Killer," said.
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' suspect faces more charges

The Santa Barbara district attorney added four counts of murder in the case of Joseph Deangelo, 72, the suspected serial killer accused of terrorizing California in the '70s and '80s.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Golden State Killer' suspect faces more charges
6 years ago

Authorities say at least 12 killed by 'Golden State Killer' across California

DNA helps cops identify northern California's "East Area Rapist"
6 years ago
VIDEO: Authorities say at least 12 killed by 'Golden State Killer' across California: Part 2
6 years ago

'East Area Rapist' terror grips Sacramento as number of victims rises

A man brazenly raped and robbed numerous women in their homes in 1976.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'East Area Rapist' terror grips Sacramento as number of victims rises: Part 1
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer's' spree allegedly began when he was a cop: Part 4

Neighbors and former colleagues recall DeAngelo's habits and his explosive temper.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Golden State Killer's' spree allegedly began when he was a cop: Part 4
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' allegedly caught after almost 42 years

Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, is arrested at his home in suburban Sacramento.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Golden State Killer' allegedly caught after almost 42 years: Part 3
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' suspect charged with eight murders: Part 5

DeAngelo faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. Meanwhile, questions are raised over why the crime spree ended.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Golden State Killer' suspect charged with eight murders: Part 5
6 years ago

Sister survivors of 'Golden State Killer' speak out: Part 6

Now that DeAngelo is behind bars, survivors recall their "emotional rollercoaster" and say they feel relieved and liberated now.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Sister survivors of 'Golden State Killer' speak out: Part 6
6 years ago

New evidence could link alleged 'Golden State Killer' to crimes

A Sacramento judge ruled that prosecutors may collect additional DNA, fingerprints and photos of Joseph DeAngelo that could connect him to more murders and rapes.
6 years ago
VIDEO: New evidence could link alleged 'Golden State Killer' to crimes
6 years ago

How investigators built a genetic genealogy leading to 'Golden State Killer' arrest

20/20 EXTRA: Genetic genealogist and ABC News Consultant CeCe Moore showed "20/20" how investigators may have built a family tree to identify a suspect.
6 years ago
VIDEO: How investigators built a genetic genealogy leading to 'Golden State Killer' arrest
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' survivor was 13 when attacked

Margaret Wardlow says her rapist broke into her bedroom in the middle of the night, tied her up and raped her.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Golden State Killer' survivor was 13 when attacked
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' case: Lead investigator on how killer adapted his methods

"Me being a law enforcement officer, it was sickening, thinking that somebody would hide behind the badge and commit these types of attacks," Paul Holes told "20/20."
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Golden State Killer' case: Lead investigator on how killer adapted his methods
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' survivor recalls learning of suspect's arrest

Margaret Wardlow, the youngest rape victim, said she was "elated" when she heard a suspect had been arrested.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Golden State Killer' survivor recalls learning of suspect's arrest
6 years ago

New details emerge in investigation into accused Golden State Killer

Court documents reveal how investigators say they cracked the serial killer case, all coming down to DNA evidence.
6 years ago
VIDEO: New details emerge in investigation into accused Golden State Killer
6 years ago

DNA from tissue taken out of alleged serial killer's trash led to arrest: Warrant

The arrest and search warrant was unsealed after a court decision.
6 years ago
Defense attorney Joe Cress stands next to his client Joseph James DeAngelo appears in Sacramento Superior Court, Friday, June 1, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. He is suspected in at least a dozen killings and roughly 50 rapes in the 1970s and '80s.
6 years ago

New details emerge on alleged 'Golden State Killer'

The police chief who fired the suspect, Joseph DeAngelo, in 1979 speaks out about what he knew of a man accused of killing 12 people.
6 years ago
VIDEO: New details emerge on alleged 'Golden State Killer'
6 years ago

The so-called Golden State Killer appears in court in a cage

His lawyers were fighting a motion that would make key documents available to the public.
6 years ago
His lawyers were fighting a motion that would make key documents available to the public.
6 years ago

Daughter of alleged 'Golden State Killer' victim sees suspect for 1st time in court

The suspected serial killer was arrested last month decades after his alleged crimes.
6 years ago
Joseph James Deangelo, known as "The Golden State Killer," is seen in this police booking photo, April 25, 2018, after being apprehended.
6 years ago

'Golden State Killer' suspect faces 4 more counts of murder

Joseph James DeAngelo was taken into custody in late April.
6 years ago
In this April 27, 2018, file photo, Joseph DeAngelo, 72, who authorities said was identified by DNA evidence as the the Golden State Killer, appears at his arraignment in Sacramento, Calif.
7 years ago

Why former FBI agent thinks 'Golden State Killer' suspect fits serial killer profile

Joseph James DeAngelo, the suspect in the "Golden State Killer" crime spree, started with burglaries and sexual assaults, but soon escalated his violence to murders.
7 years ago
Joseph James DeAngelo, the suspected "Golden State Killer", appears in court for his arraignment on April 27, 2018 in Sacramento, Calif.
7 years ago

How DNA from family members helped solve the 'Golden State Killer' case: DA

A prosecutor described the process as "dogged detective work."
7 years ago
Suspected "Golden State Killer," Joseph James DeAngelo is the police officer on the right in a photo from 1979.
7 years ago

Inside 'Golden State Killer' suspect's life in jail

Joseph DeAngelo, 72, is in a cell alone at the Sacramento County Main Jail.
7 years ago
James Joseph DeAngelo, 72, who authorities suspect is the so-called Golden State Killer is accompanied by Sacramento County Public Defender Diane Howard, right, as he makes his first appearance, April 27, 2018, in Sacramento County Superior Court in Sacramento, Calif.
7 years ago

'Going to kill you': Hear chilling phone call allegedly made by 'Golden State Killer'

Victims often received calls or hang-ups before and after attacks.
7 years ago
Suspected "Golden State Killer," Joseph James DeAngelo, is seen second from the left while he was a police officer in 1979.
7 years ago

'Golden State Killer' victims included a married couple murdered in their home

The "Golden State Killer"'s crimes spanned from 1976 to 1986.
7 years ago
In this June 15, 2016, file photo, law enforcement drawings of a suspected serial killer believed to have committed at least 12 murders across California in the 1970's and 1980's are displayed at a news conference about the investigation, in Sacramento, Calif.
7 years ago

One of 'Golden State Killer's' youngest victims recalls attacker in her bedroom

When Margaret Wardlow recalls her childhood in Sacramento, California, she divides it into two distinct time frames.
7 years ago
A young Margaret Wardlow smiles on the bottom left of this undated family photo.
7 years ago

Why 'Golden State Killer' may have stopped murder spree: Investigator

Paul Holes, a retired detective who worked on the case for decades, believes he knows why the "Golden State Killer" took a five-year break from killing.
7 years ago
James Joseph DeAngelo, 72, who authorities suspect is the so-called Golden State Killer is accompanied by Sacramento County Public Defender Diane Howard, right, as he makes his first appearance, April 27, 2018, in Sacramento County Superior Court in Sacramento, Calif.
7 years ago

'Golden State Killer' suspect's defense motion to bar evidence collection rejected

A judge says prosecutors can obtain evidence from 'Golden State Killer' suspect.
7 years ago
James Joseph DeAngelo, 72, who authorities suspect is the so-called Golden State Killer is accompanied by Sacramento County Public Defender Diane Howard, right, as he makes his first appearance, April 27, 2018, in Sacramento County Superior Court in Sacramento, Calif.
7 years ago

How 2 key ideas helped break 'Golden State Killer' case open: Investigator

Paul Holes, who investigated for decades, takes ABC News inside the case.
7 years ago
In this June 15, 2016, file photo, law enforcement drawings of a suspected serial killer believed to have committed at least 12 murders across California in the 1970's and 1980's are displayed at a news conference about the investigation, in Sacramento, Calif.
7 years ago

'Golden State Killer' victim recalls details of 1976 rape that 'terrorized' her

Jane Carson-Sandler was attacked while in her home with her 3-year-old son.
7 years ago
Rape survivor Jane Carson-Sandler speaks to ABC News' "20/20," April 2018.
7 years ago

Breakup may have sparked 'Golden State Killer' rampage, investigator says

A long-time investigator on the case spoke to ABC News about the clues.
7 years ago
Suspected "Golden State Killer," Joseph James DeAngelo, is seen second from the left while he was a police officer in 1979.