Ep 4. Somebody Out There Knows

The Golden State Killer: It's Not Over season 1 episode 4, titled "Somebody Out There Knows," focuses on the case of Jennifer Carole, a young woman who was murdered by the Golden State Killer in 1979. Through interviews with Jennifer's family and law enforcement officials who worked on the case, the episode explores how the killer was able to evade capture for so many years and the impact the murders had on the victims' loved ones.

The episode starts by introducing the viewer to Jennifer Carole and her family. Jennifer was just 18 years old when she was murdered by the Golden State Killer in her family's home in Rancho Cordova, California. Her parents and younger sister describe Jennifer as a bright, ambitious young woman with her whole life ahead of her. They speak about how her murder shattered their family and left them with unanswered questions for decades.

The episode then shifts to law enforcement officials who worked on the case, including retired detective Paul Holes and Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert. Holes, who spent decades investigating the Golden State Killer case, explains the methods the killer used to elude capture. He describes how the killer would stalk his victims for weeks or months before striking and then disappear without a trace.

Schubert, who was instrumental in identifying and arresting the Golden State Killer in 2018, discusses how advancements in DNA technology helped to crack the case. She explains how investigators were able to use DNA evidence from crime scenes to create a family tree, ultimately leading to the identification of a suspect.

The episode also touches on the impact the Golden State Killer's crimes had on the broader community. Members of a neighborhood watch group in Rancho Cordova recall how they banded together to protect their community during the killer's reign of terror. A survivor of one of the Golden State Killer's attacks speaks about the trauma she experienced and how she has managed to move forward in the decades since.

Throughout the episode, there is a sense of frustration that despite the advances in DNA technology, there are still many unsolved cases from the Golden State Killer's reign of terror. Jennifer Carole's family remains hopeful that someone will come forward with information that will help bring her killer to justice.

The episode ends with a plea to the viewers to help solve these cases. Law enforcement officials stress that there are still many victims and families who are waiting for answers. They ask anyone with information to come forward, even if they think it might be insignificant.

Overall, "Somebody Out There Knows" is a poignant and powerful episode that highlights the devastating impact the Golden State Killer's crimes had on his victims and their families. It also sheds light on the tireless work of law enforcement officials who spent decades pursuing justice for the victims. Finally, it emphasizes that even with the killer behind bars, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all of his victims receive the closure they deserve.