A suspect who might be the Golden State Killer, a serial killer accused of 12 slayings and dozens of sexual assaults across California, might be in custody, an FBI spokesperson confirmed.
The Golden State Killer’s reign of terror lasted from 1976 until 1986. He’s also known as the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker.
In all, he committed 12 murders, 45 rapes, and broke into 100 homes in the state. His crime spree spread from Sacramento south to the Los Angeles area.
In 2016, the FBI offered a reward for information leading to his arrest.
Officials said that he left behind DNA evidence that police could use to identify him.
“I really feel that if I were to see him today — it took me a long time to be able to forgive him,” victim Jane Carson-Sandler said. “He’s a very sick man and I was the one carrying all these feelings around. Once I was able to forgive him, I felt a tremendous freedom. I want to look him in the eye.”
Carson-Sandler was assaulted by him in 1976, saying that she “used to want to punch him in the face.”
The Sacramento District Attorney’s office said that Sheriff Scott Jones would make the announcement later.