Golden State Killer Suspect Will Face Trial In Sacramento

California prosecutors from six jurisdictions held a joint press conference on Tuesday to announce that they have consolidated the charges against Golden State Killer suspect Joseph DeAngelo into one felony complaint filed in Sacramento County on Tuesday morning.

DeAngelo, 72, will be arraigned on this complaint Thursday at 1:30 p.m., local time, in Sacramento. His trial will be held in Sacramento and he now faces 13 murders charges, 18 rape and rape special circumstances charges, six use of a firearm charges, 13 kidnap for purposes of robbery charges and 21 use of a weapon charges. The crimes span six jurisdictions between 1975-1986.

“We are unified and we are committed to delivering justice to the victims of the Golden State Killer and their loved ones, who for far too long have had justice elude them,” said Ventura District Attorney Greg Totten.

Thanks to new advances in DNA technology and the efforts of law enforcement and sleuths alike, a break in the long-elusive Golden State Killer was made earlier this year. DeAngelo was arrested in April. Earlier this month, the Visalia Police and the Tulare County District Attorney announced that they believe that DeAngelo is also the elusive so-called Visalia Ransacker.

“He created violent crimes in all of these jurisdictions,” Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas stated during the news conference. “Our team has been working for decades to try to capture this person, this individual who has created so much terror across the state.”

He said the filing of the complaint will kick off the prosecution of DeAngelo.

Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, Contra County District Attorney Diana Becton, Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley and Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward were also present during the press.

When asked by a reporter if any additional charges will be filed, Rackauckas said it's possible, with the investigation still ongoing.

It is believed that DeAngelo is responsible for raping at least 50 people. The Golden State Killer would allegedly tie up the men during the attacks on his female victims, at times stacking dishes on the men, threatening to kill both victims if he heard the dishes crash during the rape. DeAngelo allegedly would take his time tormenting his victims, often taking breaks to rifle around the house and eat snacks.

“It is a case that began more than four decades ago and profoundly altered the lives of countless individuals across multiple jurisdictions,” Totten said.

Prosecutors promised a comprehensive and speedy trial at the news conference. 

[Photo: Getty Images]