Joseph DeAngelo to be Tried in Sacramento County
Today Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward, along with District Attorneys from Contra Costa, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, and Orange counties, announced that the Visalia Ransacker / East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer case against Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, of Citrus Heights, will be prosecuted jointly in Sacramento County. DeAngelo is currently in custody in Sacramento County following his April 24, 2018, arrest. An amended complaint charging all crimes together in one case was filed today in Sacramento County Superior Court.
In announcing this decision, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubertstated, “The joining of this case in one county is in the best interest of victims, the efficiency of the case and the fair administration of justice. I look forward to all countiesworking together collaboratively in seeking justice in this case.”
DeAngelo now faces 13 felony counts of murder. Special circumstance sentencing enhancements include: multiple murders, murder during the commission of rape, robbery, and burglary, and personal use of a firearm. DeAngelo was also charged today 13 felony counts of kidnapping to commit robbery with sentencing enhancements for personal use of a firearm and personal use of a knife during the commission of the offenses.
If convicted, DeAngelo faces a minimum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole.
“Today, because of the collaboration of these offices and law enforcement, we are able tospeak as one and work together to secure justice for victims here in Tulare County and across the state. We have full faith and confidence in the men and women of theSacramento District Attorney’s Office to see this case through,” said District AttorneyTim Ward.
In Tulare County, DeAngelo is charged with the 1975 murder of Claude Snelling. DeAngelo is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, August 23, 2018, at 1:30 pm in Sacramento County Superior Court.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494