*13 Additional Charges Filed Today
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert announced today that the case against Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, Citrus Heights, will be prosecuted jointly in Sacramento County, where the defendant is being housed after his arrest on April 24, 2018. This joint prosecution will involve Contra Costa, Orange, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura Counties. An amended complaint charging all crimes together in one case, as well as 13 counts of kidnapping to commit robbery, was filed today in Sacramento Superior Court. A copy of the amended complaint may be found here (hyperlink to the amended complaint).
DeAngelo now faces 13 felony counts of murder with special circumstances allegations of multiple murders, murder during the commission of rape, robbery, and burglary. DeAngelo was charged today in an amended complaint with 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. He faces a minimum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. DeAngelo is expected to appear in Sacramento County for arraignment on Thursday, August 23rd at 1:30 p.m. in Department 61.
In announcing this decision, District Attorney Schubert stated, “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 counties working together collaboratively in seeking justice in this case.”
Circumstances of the Case
Contra Costa County – District Attorney Diana Becton
Four felony counts of kidnapping to commit robbery with sentencing enhancements for personal use of a firearm and personal use of a knife.
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Between Oct. 7, 1978, and June 11, 1979, DeAngelo is accused of kidnapping and carrying away four women to commit robbery.
Tulare County – District Attorney Tim Ward
One felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for personal use of a firearm
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On Sept. 11, 1975, DeAngelo is accused of murdering Claude Snelling during an attempted kidnapping of the victim’s daughter from their home.
Sacramento County – District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert
Two felony counts of murder with a sentencing enhancement for multiple murders and personal use of a firearm
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On Feb. 2, 1978, DeAngelo is accused of murdering Kate Maggoire, 20, and Brian Maggoire, 21 as they walked their dog in their Rancho Cordova neighborhood.
Nine felony counts of kidnapping to commit robbery with sentencing enhancements for personal use of a firearm and personal use of a knife.
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Between Sept. 4, 1976, and Oct. 21, 1977, DeAngelo is accused of kidnapping and carrying away nine women to commit robbery.
Santa Barbara County – District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley
Four felony counts of murder with a sentencing enhancement for multiple murders, personal use of a firearm, and special circumstances sentencing enhancements for murder during rape, and murder during burglary
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On Dec. 30, 1979, DeAngelo is accused of raping and murdering Debra Manning, 35, and Robert Offerman, 44, of Goleta.
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July 27, 1981, DeAngelo is accused of murdering Gregory Sanchez, 27, and Cheri Domingo, 35, of Goleta.
Ventura County – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten
Two felony counts of murder with special circumstances sentencing enhancements for multiple murders, murder during rape, and murder during robbery
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On March 13 to 16, 1980, DeAngelo is accused of raping and murdering Charlene Smith, 33, and murdering Lyman Smith, 43, of Ventura.
Orange County – District Attorney Tony Rackauckas
Four felony counts of murder with special circumstances sentencing enhancements for multiple murders and murder during the commission of rape, robbery, and burglary.
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On Aug. 21, 1980, DeAngelo is accused of murdering Keith Harrington, 24, and raping and murdering Patrice Harrington, 27, of Dana Point.
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On Feb. 6, 1981, DeAngelo is accused of raping and murdering Manuela Witthuhn, 28, of Irvine.
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On May 5, 1986, DeAngelo is accused of raping and murdering Janelle Cruz, 18, of Irvine.
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