Serial-killer mystery may be solved

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A man once sworn to protect the public from crime was accused Wednesday of living a double life terrorizing suburban neighborhoods at night, becoming one of California’s most-feared serial killers and rapists in the 1970s and ‘80s, before leaving a cold trail that baffled investigators for more than three decades.

Former police officer Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, was arrested at his home after DNA linked him to crimes attributed to the so-called Golden State Killer. He initially was charged with eight counts of murder and could face dozens more charges, authorities said.

The culprit — also known DeAngelo as the East Area Rapist, among other names — 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 surprised sleeping victims who ranged 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 to the floor while he raped the woman. He then ransacked the house, taking souvenirs, notably coins and jewelry before fleeing on foot or bicycle.

Despite an outpouring of thousands of tips over the years, DeAngelo’s name had not been on the radar of law enforcement before this past week, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said.