Alleged California killer faces 13 new rape-related charges
UPDATE: 8/23/2018 3:09 p.m. A former police officer suspected of being California’s elusive Golden State Killer has been arraigned on 13 new rape-related charges along with 13 slayings spanning five counties.
The hearing Thursday in Sacramento County Superior Court sets up a trial that prosecutors this week agreed will eventually be held in the state capital. It was among several cities terrorized by the rapes and killings during the 1970s and 1980s.
The statute of limitations has long run out for charging 72-year-old Joseph DeAngelo with the rapes. So prosecutors are lodging 13 new related kidnapping for robbery charges that aren’t barred by the passage of time.
His attorney, Diane Howard, declined comment.
DeAngelo was arrested in April at his home in Sacramento County. He has yet to enter a plea.
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A former police officer accused of being Golden State Killer will be tried in Sacramento County on more than a dozen murders committed up and down the state that terrorized residents during the 1970s and ’80s.
Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas says Sacramento County was chosen due to the complexity of the case, consideration of the suspect’s rights, the locations of the crimes and the hardship of victims and witnesses.
He said at a press conference Tuesday that six jurisdictions had been considered.
Joseph DeAngelo will also face numerous other charges including 13 counts of kidnapping for robbery.
The 72-year-old was arrested in April at his Citrus Heights home in Sacramento County.
A trial date has not yet been set.
