The notorious serial killer who terrorized California for over a decade was finally apprehended, with a unique detail leading to his capture – the remarkably small size of his genitalia.
In a recently published book by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, titled “The People vs. the Golden State Killer,” the extensive investigation that culminated in the arrest of Joseph DeAngelo, known as the Golden State Killer, is detailed.
DeAngelo, now 80 years old, is now serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole after confessing to 13 murders, over 50 rapes, and more than 100 burglaries that plagued California from 1974 to 1986. Formerly a police officer, he utilized his law enforcement background to prey on and assault victims, often breaking into homes under the cover of night and restraining his targets before committing heinous acts.
According to Ho’s account, investigators meticulously pieced together evidence to link the elderly suspect arrested in 2018 to the elusive killer who had evaded capture for decades.
A pivotal piece of corroboration emerged from the victims themselves, as several had described the perpetrator’s unusually small genitalia. Upon DeAngelo’s arrest at his Citrus Heights residence, detectives obtained a warrant for a comprehensive medical examination. Officers were tasked with documenting DeAngelo’s anatomy to compare it with witness descriptions.
In a surreal turn of events, a police photographer had the daunting job of capturing detailed images of DeAngelo’s genitals, only to express frustration at the lack of visibility. Eventually, after specific instructions, a revealing image was obtained, showcasing DeAngelo’s genital size comparable to a dime in circumference and the length of a pinky finger.
Despite the humiliating nature of this detail, it proved essential as it aligned with victim testimonies from the past, confirming the prosecutors’ case against DeAngelo.
DeAngelo’s apprehension marked the end of a prolonged pursuit by law enforcement, who had pursued him under various monikers such as the East Area Rapist, the Original Night Stalker, and the Golden State Killer, without success.
The breakthrough in 2018 occurred when investigators uploaded crime-scene DNA to a genealogy website, leading them to the DeAngelo family through genetic tracing. Subsequently, DNA collected discreetly from a discarded tissue near DeAngelo’s residence conclusively matched samples from the crime scenes.
The former police officer, who had a history with the Auburn Police Department before his dismissal for theft, was finally exposed as the perpetrator behind a reign of terror spanning several decades.
In 2020, faced with overwhelming evidence, DeAngelo pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping, avoiding the death penalty. During the sentencing hearing, survivors and victims’ relatives shared poignant impact statements, providing closure to families long haunted by the crimes.
DeAngelo is currently serving his sentence at California State Prison in Corcoran, serving multiple consecutive life terms without the chance of parole.
