Story perspectives

Golden State Killer Pleads Guilty: Justice for Victims

12/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, pleaded guilty to 13 murders and 51 rapes from 1974–1986.
Prosecutor Thien Ho asked DeAngelo wear a clear face shield during his court appearance to confront victims.
Ho's book, The People vs the Golden State Killer, details the investigation and its impact on victims and communities.
Advances in forensic DNA helped identify DeAngelo in 2018, and Ho notes survivors' resilience and improvements in justice-system communication.

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Story summary

Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, pleaded guilty to 13 murders and 51 rapes from 1974–1986.
Prosecutor Thien Ho asked DeAngelo wear a clear face shield during his court appearance to confront victims.
Ho's book, The People vs the Golden State Killer, details the investigation and its impact on victims and communities.
Advances in forensic DNA helped identify DeAngelo in 2018, and Ho notes survivors' resilience and improvements in justice-system communication.