Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., born on August 11, 1945 in ,NY, would grow up to become one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. Little is known about his childhood or upbringing, but it is clear that something went very wrong along the way.
DeAngelo began his career in law enforcement in 1973, working as an officer until August 1976. During this time, he used his position to gain knowledge and experience that would later aid him in evading capture as a serial killer. It is chilling to think that the man sworn to protect and serve would go on to commit such horrific crimes.
DeAngelo's reign of terror as the Golden State Killer began in 1974 and lasted until 1986. Over the course of these twelve years, he committed 13 murders, 50 rapes, and 120 burglaries across the state of California. His crimes struck fear into the hearts of residents and baffled law enforcement officials for decades.
After his murder spree came to an end, DeAngelo settled into a seemingly normal life. From the late 1980's until 2017, he worked at a Save Mart Supermarkets distribution center in Roseville. To his coworkers and neighbors, he appeared to be a quiet, unassuming man.
Despite his dark past, DeAngelo was able to maintain a facade of normalcy in his personal life. He married Sharon Marie Huddle and the couple had three children together. It is chilling to think of the horrors that must have taken place behind closed doors in this seemingly ordinary household.
It was ultimately late crime author Michelle McNamara's investigative work that led to DeAngelo's capture. Her relentless pursuit of the truth and dedication to solving the case brought renewed attention to the Golden State Killer and played a crucial role in his arrest.
In 2018, Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. was finally apprehended and charged with multiple counts of murder, rape, and burglary. After decades of eluding the authorities, he was now facing justice for his heinous crimes. The victims and their families could finally see some semblance of closure.
Joseph James DeAngelo Jr.'s story is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals. His life serves as a cautionary tale of the true evil that can exist in the world, and the importance of never letting our guard down against those who may seem harmless on the surface.