Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Suspect In Golden State Killer Case To Be Tried In Sacramento; Death Penalty Still Question Mark

Joseph DeAngelo during a past court appearance in Sacramento in the Golden State Killer case

Prosecutors say they still haven’t decided whether they will seek the death penalty for a man believed to be a serial killer responsible for 13 murders statewide, including six on the South Coast.

DA’s from the six counties where the crimes occurred will consolidate the prosecution of Joseph DeAngelo into one trial, which will take place in Sacramento.

The prosecutors announced the joint effort at a news conference in Santa Ana Tuesday.

The crimes occurred during an 11 year period in the 1970’s and 80’s. In addition to the 13 murders, detectives believe the Golden State Killer was responsible for more than 50 sexual assaults, and 100 plus burglaries.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas says because investigators are still gathering evidence for the trial, they haven’t made a decision on whether to seek the death penalty for the 72 year old man.

Lance Orozco has been News Director of KCLU since 2001, providing award-winning coverage of some of the biggest news events in the region, including the Thomas and Woolsey brush fires, the deadly Montecito debris flow, the Borderline Bar and Grill attack, and Ronald Reagan's funeral. 
Related Stories