The Golden State Killer

The Golden State Killer, also known as Joseph James DeAngelo, was a serial criminal active in California from the 1970s to the early 1980s. His crimes included burglaries, rapes, and murders, often targeting victims in their homes. He eluded law enforcement for decades, earning his nickname due to his extensive activity across California's Golden State. Advances in DNA technology eventually linked him to the crimes, leading to his arrest in 2018, when he was identified through genetic genealogy. DeAngelo pleaded guilty in 2020, ending decades of uncertainty about his identity and bringing closure to many affected families.