Ep 1. Golden State Killer

In People Magazine Investigates season 2 episode 1, titled "Golden State Killer," viewers are taken on a chilling journey through the terrifying legacy of a notorious killer. The episode delves into the case of a man who terrorized California in the 1970s and 80s, breaking into homes, raping women and killing some of his victims. At the time, he was known as the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker, but it wasn't until 2018 that he was finally caught and identified as Joseph James DeAngelo.

The episode features interviews with survivors of the attacks, as well as law enforcement officials and criminal experts who worked tirelessly for decades to bring the Golden State Killer to justice. Viewers will be given an inside look at the intense investigative efforts that led to DeAngelo's arrest, including the use of DNA evidence and sophisticated algorithms to match the killer's genetic profile to a family member's DNA in a public online database.

The episode also explores the impact of the Golden State Killer's crimes on the survivors and their families, as well as on the wider community. Through emotional interviews and powerful archival footage, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the profound trauma and fear that the killer inflicted on his victims and their loved ones.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are left to grapple with the unsettling realization that DeAngelo's crimes were enabled by a complex web of social, cultural, and institutional factors, including a lack of resources and support for survivors of sexual violence, and a flawed criminal justice system that failed to apprehend him for decades.

At its core, "Golden State Killer" is a gripping exploration of the darkest depths of human evil, and an inspiring tribute to the remarkable persistence and resilience of those who fought for justice in this case. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, criminal justice reform, and the ongoing struggle to make our communities safer and more just for all.