As they faced Joseph DeAngelo in court on Tuesday, survivors of the man dubbed the “Golden State Killer” proclaimed their nightmare to be over and his was just beginning, reports the Ventura County, Ca., Star. “You will forever be known as a repulsive coward who hid behind a mask of evil. The devil can keep you company in your prison cell as he gnaws away at whatever soul you have left, at whatever life you have left,” said Kris Pedretti, who was bound, gagged and raped at age 15. Pedretti was one of several survivors to speak at DeAngelo’s sentencing hearing in Sacramento. The man known also as the East Area Rapist, Visalia Ransacker and Original Nightstalker is considered one of California’s most prolific serial killers.
The 74-year-old former police officer is expected to be sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. DeAngelo eluded police for nearly four decades before his arrest in 2018. On Tuesday, DeAngelo sat quietly in an orange jumpsuit next to his attorneys, with much of his face covered by a mask. Everyone in court was required to wear one due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a deal to avoid the death penalty, DeAngelo pleaded guilty in June to 13 counts of murder and 13 counts of kidnapping with robbery. Pedretti was alone in 1976, a week before Christmas, when DeAngelo broke into her home. She thought she was going to die and sang “Jesus Loves Me” in her head as he left her naked in the cold December night. DeAngelo’s sentencing hearing is expected to last four days to allow his many victims and their loved ones to share their struggles and triumphs.