The Golden State Killer. The East Area Rapist. The Original Night Stalker. The Visalia Ransacker.
The monster who preyed on Californians from 1976 to 1986 was known by many aliases. And while numerous police sketches tried to capture his often-masked visage, the Golden State Killer spent more than 40 years not only faceless, but nameless.
For his victims, for their families and for the investigators tasked with finding him, the senselessness and brutality of the Golden State Killer’s acts were matched only by the powerlessness they felt at failing to uncover his identity. To be sure, the chances of obtaining closure—or any form of justice—after so many years were slim to none, at best.
Then, on April 24, 2018, authorities arrested 72-year-old Joseph James DeAngelo at his home in Citrus Heights, Calif., based on DNA evidence linked to the crimes. After a decades-long hunt, a suspect was behind bars. Could it be that evil finally had a name?
Delivering all-new details about the investigation and a stunning final act to the events of Michelle McNamara’s haunting bestseller, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, this is the true story of how the suspected Golden State Killer was captured, as told, first-hand, by those closest to the case:
Paul Holes—the forensic criminologist and retired Costa County detective who spent 20 years trying to crack the Golden State Killer case, and finally did.
Jim Clemente (Host)—a retired FBI profiler and former New York City prosecutor who has investigated some of the highest profile criminal cases in U.S. history, including the Unabomber.
Please note: This work contains descriptions of violent crime and sexual assault and may not be suitable for all listeners.
My Review:
This is another Audible exclusive PodCast – split into 14 fascinating and gripping chapters.
I’ve only just starting listening to PodCasts and this one is EXCEPTIONAL. I literally listened to it over the space of 24 hours and I am still reeling.
This is the terrifying story of The Golden State Killer and the 20+ years it took to finally catch him. Narrated by the forensic criminologist and retired FBI profiler and full of recordings and interviews with the witnesses, victims and survivors I really am struggling to put into words what an exceptional story this is.
I haven’t read Michelle McNamara’s book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which is mentioned in this series and have now downloaded it to listen to shortly, especially as she unfortunately passed away prior to the killer being caught.
There are moments of pure TERROR and EVIL in this series and it is NOT for those who are of a delicate nature or have triggers regarding rape, murder or violence.
This is an indepth look at the reign of terror The Golden State Killer had caused during his violent spree from 1973 and 1986, committing at least 13 murders, 50 rapes and 120 burglaries across California and the relentless and determined authorities who would NOT give up the search to catch this evil man.
