Where Is the Golden State Killer Now? Inside Joseph James DeAngelo’s Life 45 Years After His Violent Crime Spree Began

Joseph James DeAngelo, infamously known as the Golden State Killer, made headlines more than four decades after his crime spree terrorized northern California. Arrested on April 24, 2018, DeAngelo later pleaded guilty to 13 counts of murder. The Golden State Killer, also referred to as the East Side Rapist, Visalia Ransacker, and the Original Night Stalker, instilled fear among residents for a decade with his heinous acts of burglary, rape, and murder. His first known attack dates back to 1973, with his final murder occurring in 1986, painting a chilling timeline of his evolution into a ruthless serial killer.

Former PEOPLE editor-in-chief, Jess Cagle, delved into the psyche of the Golden State Killer, describing the haunting nature of how he escalated from a rapist to a serial killer. DeAngelo’s criminal journey began as early as 1973 when his documented violent crimes started to unfold. Born on November 8, 1945, DeAngelo had a troubled childhood with allegations of abuse and criminal activities. His life took a darker turn as he transitioned from a failed engagement to a series of gruesome crimes, eventually leading to his arrest after decades of eluding authorities.

DeAngelo’s criminal activities included burglaries, rapes, and murders that spanned over a decade. Survivors recounted chilling details of his modus operandi, which included meticulous planning and escalating levels of violence in his attacks. The Golden State Killer’s reign of terror left a trail of over 120 burglaries, at least 45 rapes, and 13 confirmed murders. Among his victims were individuals who faced unimaginable horrors at his hands, marking a dark chapter in the criminal history of California.

Despite the passage of 45 years since his first known attack, authorities struggled to apprehend the elusive killer due to the limited technological advancements of the 1970s. DeAngelo’s background in law enforcement aided him in evading capture as he left behind minimal evidence at crime scenes. However, advancements in DNA technology eventually led to his identification and subsequent arrest in 2018, marking the end of a decades-long pursuit of justice.

In a significant turning point, Joseph James DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of murder and kidnapping to avoid the death penalty. During his sentencing, survivors of his attacks and families of his victims confronted him, shedding light on the lasting impact of his heinous acts. In August 2020, DeAngelo received multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole, cementing his place behind bars for the remainder of his days.

Following his sentencing, DeAngelo was transferred to North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, before being moved to protective custody in California State Prison, Corcoran. The high-profile nature of his crimes deemed him a potential target among the general prison population, necessitating enhanced security measures. As Joseph James DeAngelo begins his life sentence, the scars of his atrocities endure as a reminder of the Golden State Killer’s chilling legacy.