BREAKING: 'Golden State Killer' Suspect Arrested - Ex-Cop Joseph James Deangelo, 72

April 25, 2018

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VENTURA COUNTY, CA — The Daily Beast is reporting that authorities have arrested Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, on charges connected to the long-elusive case of the Golden State Killer (GSK).

Authorities believe DeAngelo is a military veteran and former police officer who was thrown off the force after he shoplifted a hammer and dog repellant.

Billy Jensen — one of the writers who helped complete ’ll Be Gone in the Dark, Michelle McNamara’s posthumously published bestseller about the GSK — is quoted as identifying DeAngelo as a suspect. Jensen says DeAngelo is “not the confirmed man,” but “it looks good.”

The Golden State Killer is believed to have committed at least 12 homicides, 45 rapes, and more than 120 burglaries around Northern California between 1976 and 1986.

Before escalating to murder, police believe the Golden State Killer was the same individual known as the East Area Rapist (EAR).

The Sacramento Fox affiliate reports that multiple sources say that a “significant break" has been made in the case.

In keeping with the FBI profile of the GSK/EAR suspect, DeAngelo is five foot eleven and between the ages of 60 and 75 years old.

The San Francisco Gate reports that U.S. authorities have reached out to law enforcement agencies in Australia regarding the possibility that the GSK may have moved there and committed crimes associated with a killer nicknamed “Mr. Cruel.”