Golden State Killer pleads guilty to multiple murders and rapes to avoid death penalty

On Monday morning, DeAngelo, 74, sat in a wheelchair as he admitted to the horrifying murders, rapes and other crimes he committed. DeAngelo plead guilty to over two dozen charges and admitted to many more uncharged crimes.

In exchange for pleading guilty, DeAngelo will avoid the death penalty and instead spend the rest of his life in prison. He also agreed to waive his appellate rights and will pay to-be-determined restitution to his victims. A formal sentencing hearing will be held in August.

“Mr. DeAngelo is acknowledging his guilt for the heinous crimes he has committed,” said Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. “There is really nothing that could give full justice because he has committed horrendous acts and murder up and down the state of California. But at least we can now begin the process — after decades — to bring some closure to families.”

DeAngelo is a serial killer, serial rapist, and burglar who committed at least 13 murders, more than 50 rapes, and over 100 burglaries in California from 1974 to 1986. DeAngelo is a United States Navy veteran and worked as a police officer from 1973 to 1976. He is believed to be responsible for at least three crime sprees throughout California each of which spawned a different nickname in the press before it became evident that they were committed by the same offender.