Question.1978 - After reading about this topic in the Course Materials section for Class Six please answer the following questions by replying to this posting by 7/30. You should write at least three sentences. Make sure you also comment on your classmates' postings. Who was the Golden State Killer? Why do you think he was able to avoid arrest for so long? What makes someone a serial killer? What do you think about the way that the Golden State Killer was caught? (Consider the ethical implications) Optional question - I posted in Announcements recent articles on the Long Island case. What are your thoughts on the investigation and response to the victims and their families? This is optional as it is an ongoing case {there is only a suspect at this time) - and it might be distressing
Answer Below:
The Golden State Killer, whose real name is Joseph James DeAngelo, was a serial killer, rapist, and burglar responsible for a series of crimes that occurred in California from the 1970s to the 1980s. He managed to avoid arrest for decades due to various factors, including a lack of advanced forensic technology at the time of the initial investigation, the geographical spread of his crimes, and his ability to blend into the community, as he was employed as a police officer during part of his crime spree. Moreover, DeAngelo was cautious and took measures to avoid detection, such as altering his appearance and committing crimes in different jurisdictions. Serial killers are individuals who have committed three or more murders, typically with a cooling-off period between each crime. Their motivations can vary, but some common factors among serial killers include a need for power and control, a history of childhood abuse or trauma, psychopathy, and a lack of empathy or remorse for their actions. It's essential to note that not all serial killers fit the same profile, and their backgrounds and motives can differ significantly. The way the Golden State Killer was caught involved the use of genealogical DNA databases, which allowed investigators to identify potential relatives of the suspect through their DNA profiles. By cross-referencing this information with publicly available genealogical data, law enforcement eventually narrowed down the list of suspects to DeAngelo, leading to his arrest in 2018. While this method was effective in capturing a dangerous criminal, it raises ethical questions regarding privacy concerns and the use of genetic information for criminal investigations without the explicit consent of the individuals involved. As I don't have access to specific news articles or information about the Long Island case beyond September 2021, I can't comment on its developments. However, I understand that ongoing cases can be distressing and sensitive for victims and their families. It is crucial for investigators and authorities to handle such cases with utmost care, ensuring that the victims and their families are treated with respect and empathy throughout the investigation and legal proceeding. References: Kerr, S. (2018) Suspect arrested in Golden State Killer Case, The New York Times. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000005868342/suspect-arrested-in-golden-state-killer-case.html?smid=pl-share (Accessed: 26 July 2023). The untold story of how the Golden State Killer was found: A covert operation and private DNA (2020) Los Angeles Times. Available at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-08/man-in-the-window (Accessed: 26 July 2023).More Articles From Literature
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