How They Caught The Golden State Killer

Veritasium・2 minutes read

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.

Insights

  • 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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Recent questions

  • 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.

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Summary

00:00

Unmasking the Golden State Killer: Breakthrough

  • In the mid-1970s, the Visalia ransacker began his criminal activities by breaking into homes in Visalia, California, stealing small items like cash, coins, and jewelry.
  • Six months later, in 1976, he moved to Sacramento and started committing numerous sexual assaults, totaling over 50, earning him the name "east area rapist."
  • By 1979, he had moved to Southern California, starting in Santa Barbara, where he began killing, earning the moniker "original night stalker."
  • These crimes, spanning from 1976 to 1986, were believed to be the work of the same person, later identified as the golden state killer, based on his distinctive modus operandi (MO).
  • The golden state killer meticulously planned his crimes, wearing a mask, gloves, and specific clothing, threatening victims with violence, and leaving no fingerprints behind.
  • Linked to at least 12 murders, 50 rapes, and numerous burglaries, the golden state killer managed to evade capture due to his careful prevention of leaving DNA evidence.
  • Advances in DNA technology led to the creation of CODIS, a national genetic database storing DNA profiles from convicted criminals and persons of interest.
  • Genetic sequencing technology expanded beyond CODIS, with private companies offering tests examining 700-800,000 DNA positions, providing more detailed genetic data.
  • By comparing DNA profiles and identifying common ancestors through GEDmatch, investigators narrowed down the golden state killer to a suspect, Joseph James DeAngelo.
  • DeAngelo was arrested after investigators collected DNA samples from his car door handle and a discarded tissue, leading to his identification as the golden state killer, marking a breakthrough in the case after 44 years.

14:49

DNA Revolution: Solving Cold Cases and Crimes

  • In the US, there are an estimated 100,000 cold case murders with DNA evidence, along with 650,000 sexual assaults.
  • Law enforcement agencies consider DNA a revolutionary tool, akin to the impact of fingerprints.
  • DNA databases now allow for identifying offenders through distant relatives' DNA, causing potential criminals to worry about being caught.
  • Ancestry DNA research shows that each person in the UK has around 175 third cousins, with DNA being shared by hundreds of future and past relatives.
  • A study in 2018 revealed that with just 2% of the population in a DNA database, a third cousin or closer match could be found in 99% of cases.
  • DNA storage facilities can hold over 2 million samples at minus 20 degrees Celsius, preserving DNA for long periods.
  • Over 30 million people globally have taken direct consumer genetic tests, with the majority through Ancestry and 23andMe, while Family Tree DNA collaborates with law enforcement.
  • Family Tree DNA accepts samples from law enforcement for specific cases like sexual assaults, homicides, and child abductions, with GEDmatch also allowing law enforcement searches under certain conditions.
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