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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

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'Pillowcase Rapist' Christopher Hubbart released near Palmdale

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Serial rapist Christopher Hubbart has been released from a mental hospital to a residence in an Antelope Valley community in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County near Palmdale, according to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office. Hubbart was also known as the Pillowcase Rapist.

Hubbart, 63, has admitted to more than 100 rapes and attempted rapes, according to the DA's office. There were about 40 female victims, between 1971 and 1982. The assaults were committed in both Southern California and Northern California, with most of the victims between 25 and 35 years old.

The DA's office and nearby residents had both protested Hubbart's release, saying that he remains a danger. Cheryl Holbrook, an area resident who belongs to a community group that fought his release, says Hubbart arrived at the home at 1:40 p.m. in a silver car and hid his face as he walked in, according to the Associated Press.

The "Pillowcase Rapist" moniker came from Hubbart being known to enter victims' homes at night and rape them after placing a pillow case on their heads to muffle their screams, according to the DA's office.

According to the DA's office, Hubbart's offense include forcible sodomy, rape and assault, among others. He has been diagnosed with sexual sadism, antisocial personality disorder and paraphilia.

Hubbart had been arrested and sentenced to prison several times, but committed further rapes during several paroles, according to the DA's office. He was the first person ever committed under the Sexually Violent Predator Law. He had been housed at a mental hospital since 1996 after being committed by the Santa Clara County DA's Office.

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