The Golden State Killer - Part 3: The Dark Arts of DNA Databases | #462
Summary
Hosts Hannah and Saruti explore the decades-long hunt for the Golden State Killer, detailing how investigators Larry Poole and Paul Holes connected disparate crimes through meticulous profiling and early DNA analysis. The episode highlights the controversial use of genetic genealogy to identify suspect Joseph DeAngelo, a former police officer who exploited his position to commit hundreds of burglaries, rapes, and murders. It also examines DeAngelo’s toxic relationship with ex-fiancée Bonnie, challenging narratives that blame victims for male violence while tracing his descent into a prolifi…
Topics discussed
Introduction: The Golden State Killer's many aliases and the arrest
Larry Poole's database and connecting the Harrington murders
Paul Holes, DNA evidence, and the limitations of CODIS
The rise of forensic genealogy and GEDmatch
Identifying Joseph DeAngelo and his arrest
DeAngelo's childhood, Vietnam, and relationship with Bonnie
The Vasilia Ransacker and DeAngelo's police internship
The shoplifting incident and DeAngelo's feigned insanity
Legal proceedings, plea deal negotiations, and conclusion
Listen ad-free on Castria