Who Is Joseph James DeAngelo Young
Joseph James DeAngelo Young, commonly known as Joseph DeAngelo, is a former American police officer and military veteran convicted of multiple murders and sexual assaults. He is widely referred to as the Golden State Killer for crimes committed across California between the 1970s and 1980s.
Crimes and Investigation
DeAngelo committed a series of burglaries, rapes, and homicides in California, often targeting young couples in their homes. Investigators linked many cases through similar patterns, and advances in forensic genealogy helped identify him as a suspect after decades of unsolved evidence.
Arrest, Trial, and Sentencing
In 2018, DeAngelo was arrested and charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and special circumstances. He pleaded guilty to numerous counts and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His case drew attention to the use of DNA databases and genetic genealogy in solving cold cases.
