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

Suspect In Golden State Killer Murders Make First Court Appearance To Face Charges

James Joseph DeAngelo appaears in court for first time Friday to face eight murder charges attributed to Golden State Killer

The former police officer who authorities believe was the Golden State Killer, responsible for 12 murders statewide and six on the South Coast made his first appearance in court Friday since his arrest.

72 year old James Joseph DeAngelo appeared frail, and disoriented as he was wheeled into a Sacramento courtroom in a wheelchair.

A judge asked if he was DeAngelo, and he whispered yes.  So far, he’s been charged with eight murders.  He didn’t enter a plea, and the court hearing was continued until May 14th

Prosecutors say the Golden State Killer is responsible for 12 murders, more than 150 rapes, and 100 plus burglaries from the mid-1970’s to the mid-80’s.

The crimes took place in ten counties, including Ventura County, where two people were murdered, and Santa Barbara County, where four were killed.

Prosecutors sat DNA matches led to DeAngelo’s discovery and his arrest on Tuesday.

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