SANTA ANA (KMJ) — Prosecutors from six different California jurisdictions have decided where Joseph James Deangelo will go to trial.
The man alleged to be the Golden State Killer is facing 13 counts of murder and 13 counts of kidnapping to commit robbery. All charges against the 72 year old will be heard in Sacramento.
“The decision to charge crimes and allegations in six separate jurisdictions in Sacramento Superior Court reflects our collective judgement that a single prosecution in a single jurisdiction serves the best interest of the case,” detailed Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
The most recent murder charge was added earlier this month, when Tulare County District Attorney’s Office filed for the 1975 killing of Claude Snelling (click here to read more). Deangelo has been held inside Sacramento County Jail since his arrest in April.
“The joining of this case in one county is in the best interest of victims, the efficiency of the case and the fair administration of justice,” said Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert.
“I look forward to all counties working together collaboratively in seeking justice in this case.”
If convicted, Deangelo faces a minimum of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
