Evil mystery closing

DNA breakthrough points to former policeman as serial killer

A MAN once sworn to protect the public has been accused of being one of California’s worst serial killers and rapists in the 1970s and ’80s.

Former policeman Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, (pictured) was arrested after DNA linked him to crimes attributed to the “Golden State Killer”. He was initially was charged with eight counts of murder and could face dozens of further charges.

The culprit is suspected of at least 12 slayings and 50 rapes in 10 counties from Northern to Southern California.

The armed and masked prowler sneaked in through windows at night and attacked victims ranging in age from 13 to 41.

When encountering a couple, he was known to tie up the man and pile dishes on his back. He threatened to kill both victims if he heard plates crash while he raped the woman.

He then ransacked the house, taking souvenirs, notably coins and jewellery before fleeing on foot or bicycle.

Despite thousands of tips over the years, DeAngelo’s name had not been raised before last week, said Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert.

“We knew we were looking for a needle in a haystack, but we also knew that needle was there,” she said.

A break in the case came during the past few days, Ms Schubert said, though authorities refused to reveal what led to DeAngelo.

Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones said detectives were able to get a sample of DNA from something DeAngelo discarded, although he wouldn’t say what the item was.

Then after watching DeAngelo for several days, police took him by surprise.

DeAngelo was arrested on suspicion of committing double-killings in Sacramento and Ventura counties and later charged with four counts of murder in Orange County.