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The Golden State Killer Suspect Will Face One Big Trial In Sacramento
Joseph James DeAngelo, a 72-year-old former police officer, is believed to be the East Area Rapist who killed at least 12 people, raped over 45 women and burglarized hundreds of homes throughout California in the 1970s and 1980s. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Joseph James DeAngelo, the former police officer believed to be the long-hunted Golden State Killer, will face trial in Sacramento, prosecutors from several California counties announced Tuesday.
A complaint filed Tuesday in Sacramento Superior Court argued the multitude of charges against DeAngelo should be consolidated and tried in one centralized location. Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday in the Northern California court.
Speaking at a press conference at the Orange County District Attorney's Office in Santa Ana, district attorneys from six counties voiced their support for the move, saying they have full faith in the court (video of the news conference is available here).
Joseph DeAngelo will be charged with 26 counts, including 13 counts of murder. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Sacramento. @KPCC @LAist
— Caleigh Wells (@cgrey307) August 21, 2018
DeAngelo, 72, of Citrus Heights in Sacramento County, faces 13 counts of murder, with 18 rape and burglary special circumstance allegations and 13 counts of kidnapping, among other counts, including several weapons charges. Authorities allege DeAngelo is responsible for a string of murders and rapes that happened over an 11-year period across California, including at least 10 murders and assaults in Orange and Ventura counties.
"Wherever he went, he left a wake of terror in his path," Orange County D.A. Tony Rackauckas said Tuesday.
After decades of investigating, DNA evidence confirmed for police that the Golden State Killer and the East Area Rapist were the same man.
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"We are unified, and we are committed to delivering justice to the victims of the Golden State Killer and their loves ones, who for too long have had justice elude them," said Ventura County D.A. Gregory D. Totten.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
UPDATES:
12:48 p.m.: This story was updated to clarify some of the rape and robbery counts against DeAngelo were special circumstance allegations connected to murder charges.
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