Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore SERIAL KILLER: The Golden State Killer
Apr 30, 2025
Explore the haunting legacy of the Golden State Killer, a figure who terrorized California for years. Delve into his eerie beginnings as the Visalia Ransacker and the chilling evolution into the East Area Rapist. Discover how cutting-edge DNA technology finally linked him to the crimes, bringing the case out of the cold. The emotional toll on survivors and the impact on law enforcement practices create a gripping narrative about trauma, resilience, and the quest for justice.
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Visalia Ransacker's Signature Burglaries
- The Visalia Ransacker burglarized homes, stealing personal and sentimental items rather than valuables.
- He created makeshift alarms inside homes using cups or cans to warn of intrusions, showing meticulous planning.
Criminal Escalation via Media Influence
- The East Area Rapist heightened his crimes to attacking couples after media reported he avoided homes with men.
- This escalation shows he monitored news coverage and acted out of defiance and challenge.
Forensic Genealogy Breakthrough
- Forensic genealogy used DNA SNP profiles uploaded to public sites to identify distant relatives.
- Investigators then built extensive family trees narrowing suspects to solve this cold case.
