Commonwealth Club of California Podcast The Case that Haunted California: D.A. Thien Ho on the Golden State Killer, with Dion Lim
Nov 30, 2025
Thien Ho, Sacramento County District Attorney and lead prosecutor on the Golden State Killer case, shares gripping details about the chilling crimes and the relentless investigation that led to justice. He discusses genetic genealogy breakthroughs and the unorthodox methods to obtain the killer’s DNA. Alongside survivor Chris Pedretti, who recounts overcoming trauma and advocating for victims through Phyllis's Garden, they emphasize the importance of healing and community support. Ho also reveals his plans for a congressional run, advocating for representation and justice reforms.
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Refugee Origin Shaped A Prosecutor
- Thien Ho escaped Vietnam as a child on a fishing boat and spent months in a refugee camp before arriving in the U.S.
- He learned English from cartoons and later became a prosecutor and Sacramento County District Attorney to give back.
How Genetic Genealogy Cracked The Case
- Genetic genealogy converted crime-scene DNA into a SNP profile and led investigators to distant relatives in consumer databases.
- Investigators built and filtered a thousand-person family tree to narrow suspects to three names and then obtained a direct DNA match from trash.
The 'Body Snatchers' Low-Drama Arrest
- The fugitive-apprehension team called the 'body snatchers' surveilled DeAngelo and executed a low-dramatic arrest at his home.
- The arrest was calm and almost surreal, with DeAngelo worrying about a pot roast in the oven as he was handcuffed.
