Golden State Killer Victims Plead For Answers In Impact Statements Ahead Of Sentencing
The victims of Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., who is also known as the Golden State Killer, want answers after his violent crimes during the 1970s and 80s left Californians living in fear.
Tuesday marked the first day of the impact statements ahead of DeAngelo’s sentencing, which is scheduled to take place on Friday. Victims and their loved ones lined up in the Sacramento County Superior Court to confront DeAngelo following his attacks.
Patti Cosper, the daughter of Patricia Murphy, who was 29 years old at the time of her attack, spoke on her mother’s behalf, reports the Los Angeles Times. In 1976, DeAngelo repeatedly raped and sodomized Murphy.
“Did his little penis drive him to be so angry all the time? Did he study criminology so he could carry out his evil deeds as a bad cop without getting caught?” Cosper said as she read the statement.
Murphy also revealed that she struggled “to find joy” following her attack but was relieved to learn that DeAngelo will be prosecuted for his crimes.
“Luck finally ran out for this messed-up human being — at least a poor excuse for one. It is my hope that you punish him to the full extent of the law for the horrific crimes he committed,” she stated. “He admitted that he caused all the suffering and misery to so many victims. ... He truly is an evil monster with no soul.”
Meanwhile, another victim, who only identified herself as Peggy, recounted DeAngelo’s attack on her in 1976 when she was 15 years old.
Peggy said that her “safety and security were taken away” the night he attacked her and her sister in their home. “It hurt to brush my hair because he hit me so many times on the head,” she said, adding, “I still always look over my shoulder when someone approaches me from behind.”
However, Peggy revealed that she has since forgiven DeAngelo and is now “strong, resilient, empathetic, and insightful.”
Impact statements are expected to continue Wednesday and Thursday in front of Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman.
As a part of his plea deal, DeAngelo, 74, admitted to committing 53 attacks on 87 victims across 11 California counties. While his plea deal will spare him from the death penalty, DeAngelo is expected to serve 11 life sentences consecutively without the possibility of parole, another 15 life sentences, and eight years.
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