Law enforcement collected the DNA evidence that led to the arrest of the Golden State Killer suspect, Joseph James DeAngelo, as he shopped at a Hobby Lobby crafting supply store in April, court documents unsealed Friday reveal.
While DeAngelo was inside the store, detectives took samples of his DNA from the driver's side door handle. Testing showed it to be a match for evidence from multiple crime scenes, and DeAngelo was arrested within a week. A previous attempt to collect DNA evidence from a trash can outside his home did not yield enough testable material.
The documents released Friday are substantially redacted, with the names and identifying details of about 75 witnesses, police officers, and surviving victims concealed. DeAngelo is accused of at least 12 murders, 50 rapes, and 100 burglaries. He has not yet entered a plea with the court. Read more about the case from The Week's Jeva Lange here.