This past week, the Golden State Killer, one of the most prolific and elusive criminals in history, was caught. After a push to retest formerly “discarded” DNA samples, it was found to match that of Joseph DeAngelo, a 72 yr old resident of Citrus Heights, California. DeAngelo, a former police officer, was fired from the force after being charged with shoplifting dog repellant and a hammer from a local hardware store. Consequently, this is the exact time the East Area Rapist stepped up his crimes to murder, earning him the nickname of the Golden State Killer. All in all, the East Area Rapist would commit 50 rapes and 12 murders. After DeAngelo’s arrest it was also made clear that he was the criminal responsible for the Visalia breaking and entering cases, earning him the nickname of the “Visalia Ransacker”. While new details are being uncovered daily, if you need a solid place to start to understand this case, take a listen to the following podcasts.
5. Criminology – Season Two: The East Area Rapist/Golden State Killer
Criminology didn’t dedicate one episode to the EAR, no, they dedicated an entire season. While the majority of the the season has been underway before the recent arrest, the team promises to continue the season as more information about the case surfaces.
4. My Favorite Murder – Episode 1: My Firstest Murder
Karen and Georgia’s very first episode of their podcast which defines the new era of true crime obsession, My Favorite Murder, covers both the Jon Benet Ramsey murder as well as the East Area Rapist. Meet Elvis for the first time and listen to these two murderinos talk the OG Night Stalker.
3. And That’s Why We Drink – Episode 48: The Island of Misfit Priests and the Easter Egg Rapist
It’s no secret that I wish Christine and Em were my BFF’s IRL. In each of their episodes for …And That’s Why We Drink they blend the paranormal and true crime. A perfect combination. Better yet, brevity isn’t their strong suit so you get 90 minutes packed with great stories and even funnier banter. While this isn’t the most clinical or factual representation of the EAR case, it’s safe to say it’s the most entertaining.
2. Exposed – The East Area Rapist
Exposed is an entire podcast dedicated to covering the East Area Rapist from the perspective of people on the ground, during the time of the crimes. A lot of podcasts recap the stories and facts of the case years later but the Fox News media outlet who pieced together this 3 part series takes the approach of following law enforcement of the time and getting first hand accounts of the terror during the 70s and 80s when the EAR was active.
1. Casefile – Case 53: The East Area Rapist 1976
Casefile has steadily grown to be one of my favorite true crime podcasts. Casefile’s host, who’s somehow has remained anonymous, and the Casefile team researches cases extensively and brings you the most factual and riveting accounts of true crime. Lucky for you, they did a 5 part series on the East Area Rapist. This is the deepest dive I’ve encountered into this case covering everything from the Visalia Ransacking B&E case to the murder cases.