In a recent article, prosecutor Thien Ho highlighted the case of Joseph DeAngelo, also known as the Golden State Killer, who admitted to a spree of heinous crimes across California. Before DeAngelo’s court appearance, Ho requested that he be required to wear a clear face shield, asserting that he should not hide behind a mask as he did during his years of terror.
DeAngelo’s criminal record includes over 100 robberies, at least 51 rapes, and 13 murders, all committed during his time as a police officer. After eluding justice for nearly 50 years, DNA evidence led to his identification and subsequent guilty plea, for which he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Ho’s new book, The People vs. Golden State Killer, details the investigation, the emotional aftermath for victims, and aims to amplify the voices of those affected. He emphasized the transformative impact of DeAngelo’s crimes on communities, with residents living in fear for decades. The book also reflects on advancements in law enforcement and forensic science since those crimes occurred, showcasing a more unified and technologically advanced approach to crime solving today.
Ho hopes readers will understand the resilience of survivors and the choices that define individuals, contrasting the lives of victims with DeAngelo’s destructive path.
