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#21 The Golden Genes: The GSK I

Aiza Jamil

Updated: 6 days ago


STEM on the streets

Hello, and welcome back, folks, to another episode of STEM on the Streets! If you are new here, my name is Aiza, and this is my partner CAI (crime Ai), together, we stroll through the criminal-ridden streets of STEM!

If you haven't read the previous episode, click on the button to read it!


 

Note


This episode contains sensitive themes and triggers: violence, sexual assault, home invasion, and other sensitive topics.

Reader discretion is advised.

 

Introduction


For twelve years, California was terrorized by a single yet dangerous man. 13 murders, 50 recorded rapes, and 120 burglaries all committed by a single man known by many names: The East Area Rapist, The Original Night Stalker, or, a name more recent, The Golden State Killer. This man was once a mystery, terrifying men, women, and children for years: Joseph DeAngelo. 



 

The Makings


Joseph DeAngelo, commonly known as The Golden State Killer, was a felon guilty of rape, murder and much more. His true identity was soon discovered and in 2018, at the age of 72, he was apprehended by the FBI. Originally, The Original Night Stalker, The East Area Rapist, and The Golden State Killer were believed to be three different criminals responsible for three different crime sprees until the patterns and formats of his crimes were analyzed to bring the police to a conclusion that one man was behind them all.


Born in Bath, New York on November 8, 1945, DeAngelo’s childhood was an illusion of normalcy to the outside world but beneath this carefully crafted illusion were corroding problems. The tumultuous environment in which DeAngelo was raised was created by his father, who had a strained relationship with DeAngelo; his father had explosive tendencies and strict disciplinary measures. These factors contributed to DeAngelo’s developing anger and resentment which was later let out in his violent and sadistic acts. DeAngelo also had indications of behavioural issues and early signs of voyeurism. He also had tortured and killed animals which is usually a sign of ASPD (Anti-Social Personality Disorder) more commonly known as sociopathy which he was later diagnosed with. 


But that was only the start. DeAngelo had also been abusive in relationships, in 170, he got engaged to Bonnie Jean Colwell but she soon broke it off when he became manipulative and abusive. As a result of the breakup, DeAngelo ended up attempting to force her to marry him threatening her with a gun. He had also served in the military for 22 months in Vietnam. Then after that, DeAngelo became a police officer but was soon fired from his job due to shoplifting a hammer and dog repellent. While he was being fired, DeAngelo threatened to kill the chief police and allegedly stalked the chief’s house.



 

The First Step


DeAngelo’s first known and confirmed strike was on September 11, 1975, while DeAngelo was still a police officer. DeAgelo’s first victims were a father and daughter: A 45-year-old professor, Claude Snelling, and his 16-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Snelling. 

DeAngelo broke into Snelling’s house on September 11 after Snelling had previously chased a prowler under his daughter’s window at 10:00 p.m. on February 5 of the same year. The day DeAngelo broke into Snelling’s house, Snelling was awakened at 2:00 a.m. by strange noises. After getting up and leaving his bedroom, Snelling ran through the back door to find


And confront a ski-masked intruder in his carport trying to kidnap his daughter, Elizabeth Snelling subdued with threats of being stabbed and shot. Snelling had been shot twice and staggered back to his wife before experiencing a tragic death. Before fleeing, DeAngelo kicked Elizabeth Snelling in the face, thrice, and left being a stolen bicycle.


This was his first murder committed in Visalia alongside his 120 recorded burglaries that took place in the period of 20 months and that is where he got the name of ‘The Visalia Ransacker’ from. Visalia was known to be the 'training' ground for the Golden State Killer's future crimes.


 

Well, that is all for today's episode! Next episode we'll be diving further into this notorious killer and how he got his name as The East Area Rapist! Until next time!!


This is Aiza Jamil signing out!

I am a forensics sleuth, what's your mystery to solve?


 
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