Joseph DeAngelo, the suspected “Golden State Killer,” will face trial for murder in Sacramento. Prosecutors will try DeAngelo for all 13 known murders, as well as 13 counts of kidnapping with robbery. Six district attorneys will cooperate on the trial.

Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten said that the DAs have made no decision about seeking the death penalty. DeAngelo could also land on Death Row thanks to special allegations that accompany the 26 charges.

Investigators say that DNA evidence ties DeAngelo to crime scenes across the state. The media dubbed the suspect the Golden State Killer, the East Area Rapist and the Visalia Ransacker. The statute of limitations has passed on all but the 26 charges DeAngelo now faces. Victims commonly reported sexual assaults as part of the attacks on them. While the State can no longer charge DeAngelo with sexual offenses, prosecutors can use evidence from the assaults at the trial.

The suspect had worked as a police officer, but was fired from his last law enforcement position in 1979. The State chose Sacramento was the trial location for the convenience of the victim and the rights of the defendant. The majority of the charges against DeAngelo originate from Sacramento County. District Attorneys also filed charges in Contra Costa County, Tulare County, Orange County, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. DeAngelo moved around the state between 1975 and 1986, when investigators allege that he committed his crimes.

Ventura murder lawyer

When you face homicide charges in Ventura County, hire an experienced murder lawyer like Robert Helfend. Your life may literally depend upon the quality of your representation in court. It makes sense to hire the best possible representation available. Robert Helfend has nearly 35 years of experience in criminal defense. He takes homicide cases in Ventura County and throughout Southern California.

Don’t risk your freedom on an inexperienced attorney.Contact Robert Helfend or call toll-free at (800) 834-6434, (805) 273-5611, (310) 456-3317 or (818) 591-2809 for an immediate consultation on your Ventura County murder case.

Photo Credit: Ken Lund, via Flickr

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