Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty in Golden State Killer Case

The suspect is accused of at least 13 murders and 50 rapes

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty in Golden State Killer Case

Approximately one year ago, California police arrested Joseph DeAngelo — the man that they believe is the Golden State Killer. This notorious criminal had eluded capture for decades after a crime spree in the 1970’s and 80’s that included at least 13 murders and more than 50 rapes across California. To capture DeAngelo, law enforcement relied on a familial DNA match using a publicly available DNA database.

Recently, prosecutors from four California counties announced their decision to seek the death penalty against DeAngelo for his crimes. This move surprised many, as Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced a moratorium on the death penalty in California. However, as a murder defense lawyer Riverside, CA can explain, this moratorium only applies to the 737 inmates currently on death row in California. Prosecutors can still seek the death penalty — and judges can still impose it if a defendant, such as DeAngelo — is convicted of his crimes.

The Golden State Killer case may be the type of case where the death penalty seems appropriate. If the allegations are true, then DeAngelo is both a serial killer and a serial rapist who terrorized communities across the state for years. However, he is also 73 years old. A sentence of even 20 years in prison would likely be the equivalent of life in prison — and DeAngelo, if convicted, is likely to be sentenced to far more than 20 years in prison. Given the complexity of his case, which spans multiple jurisdictions, a trial is likely years away.

California has not executed an inmate since 2006. However, Governor Newsom chose to act in March 2019 because 25 inmates currently on death row in California have exhausted the appeals process and may soon face lethal injection. As a result, he issued the moratorium. While many applauded the move, others — including family members of Golden State Killer victims — were upset by his decision. They believe that the death penalty serves as a deterrent that may prevent other killers from committing these types of crimes in the future.

In 2012 and again in 2016, California voters narrowly supported the death penalty through the ballot referendum process. In those elections, voters not only approved the death penalty, but voted to speed up executions by decreasing the appeals process.

Although the Golden State Killer case is unusual, there may be cases where prosecutors still seek the death penalty. According to a murder defense lawyer Riverside, CA, this may occur in situations where a police officer is killed or where a killing is considered particularly egregious. In that case, an aggressive defense is necessary to protect your rights, your freedom — and your life.

If you have been charged with murder or a lesser homicide charge, the Chambers Law Firm can help. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Dan E. Chambers understands the system — including how to make it work for you. Contact our firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a murder defense lawyer Riverside, CA.

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