Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker arrested?

[nearwildheaven]

@asahi

This would fit the pattern of at least some of the better known serial killers and rapists. IIRC, the BTK killer, for instance, killed one or two women reportedly because they rejected his advances and he became infuriated with them. Some killers take vengeance against their subjects more directly; others take out their frustrations on random victims.

But going back to something that was discussed earlier, I wonder if his Vietnam experience flipped some sort of switch within him which made his more sinister thoughts and emotions harder to control. There’s the obvious psychological trauma of being in combat, but he also could have sustained head trauma as the result of shock waves from ordnance.

I thought all of BTK’s victims were strangers.

As for his Vietnam service, I’m not attributing it to any trauma he may have experienced, or not experienced, while he was there. I’m coming from him seeing the Vietnamese as easy targets because of whole war situation.

[PastTense]

Updating this thread:

The former police officer accused of terrorizing California during a series of rapes and killings nearly a half-century ago attributed to the Golden State Killer is expected to plead guilty this month in a deal that will spare him the death penalty, according to multiple sources. Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., 74, is set to enter a guilty plea to 13 murders and kidnapping charges from as many rapes in a yet-to-be determined Sacramento County courtroom on June 29. The crimes occurred during the 1970s and ‘80s.

Many sources who were notified about the legal arrangement spoke on condition of anonymity because they were asked to not disclose the deal to the media. Nor are any legal motions outlining the plea deal required to be filed in court before June 29. Sources said DeAngelo has also agreed to admit to scores of crimes for which he is not charged, including rapes, for which the statute of limitations has expired.

Golden State Killer suspect agrees to guilty plea in a deal that spares him...

[Senegoid]

There’s a statute of limitations for rape ? ? ?

[PastTense]

@Senegoid

There’s a statute of limitations for rape ? ? ?

Yes and No.

California passed a bill in 2016 to eliminate the previous statute of limitations (generally 10 years) but:

The new law will apply to crimes committed after Jan. 1, 2017.

California Eliminates Statute Of Limitations On Rape Cases

Since these rapes occurred decades ago the previous statute of limitations still apply.

Since there are 50 states there is going to be a wide variety of different policies among the states nationally.

[Morgyn]

There’s not just a statute of limitations on charging someone with rape, there’s also a limit on how long a victim can take to report the crime in order for the police to do anything. My recollection (IANAL) is that it used to be pretty short, on the order of 2–5 years, but since the molestation scandals that have been rocking the Catholic Church, most states now allow at least 10 years, and many allow up to 20.

[Skywatcher]

@PastTense

Golden State Killer is expected to plead guilty this month

He just did.

https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Joseph-DeAngelo-earons-guilty-plea-hearing-15372192.php

[PastTense]

He was sentenced to life in prison:

Golden State Killer Joseph DeAngelo sentenced to life in prison | CNN

[snowthx]

Anyone who is following this - don’t be fooled by his appearance as a frail old man - the DA released some footage of him in his cell doing calisthenics and climbing up on his desk to shade a light. He is pretty dexterous for his age.

He spoke a few words before they wheeled him away, indicating he heard all the victim’s statements and was sorry for what he did. He’s only sorry he got caught. Hopefully we wont hear about him until he dies behind prison walls.

[Elendil_s_Heir]

Another thread that may interest you: I'll Be Gone in the Dark on HBO - documentary about the Golden State Killer (open spoilers)

[Hermitian]

And another: Alex Blumberg interviews the detective that lead the investigation. A really interesting 45 min interview as they walk through the path of finding him.