A serial criminal in California, known as the Golden State Killer, committed a series of burglaries, sexual assaults, and murders from 1976 to 1986, evading capture by meticulous planning to avoid leaving DNA evidence. Advances in DNA technology, leading to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo as the Golden State Killer, have revolutionized law enforcement's ability to solve cold cases and identify offenders through genetic databases.
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The Golden State Killer, originally known as the Visalia Ransacker, East Area Rapist, and Original Night Stalker, committed a series of crimes spanning from burglaries to rapes and murders, showcasing a meticulous and evolving criminal pattern over a decade.
The breakthrough in identifying the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo, was achieved through advanced DNA technology, specifically comparing DNA profiles and utilizing genetic databases like CODIS and GEDmatch, highlighting the transformative impact of genetics in solving cold cases and bringing offenders to justice.
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Who was the Visalia ransacker?
The Visalia ransacker began his criminal activities in the mid-1970s by breaking into homes in Visalia, California, stealing small items like cash, coins, and jewelry.