California isn’t a stranger to heinous crimes, being host to some the country’s most notorious serial killers. For those who were living in the state from the late 1960’s on, infamous names like Charles Manson, Richard Ramirez a.k.a. the ‘Night Stalker’ and Angelo Anthony Buono Jr. a.k.a. the ‘Hillside Strangler’ probably come to mind—especially if you lived in Southern California during their deadly tenure.

While the aforementioned killers were ultimately apprehended by authorities and sentenced for their insidious crimes, there were some who managed to evade capture and are possibly alive today. Few can forget the deadly reign of the “Zodiac Killer” who would send cryptograms to the Bay area press over the course of his killing spree in late 1960s and early 1970s. Another case of interest that went unsolved has come back into the spotlight recently.

Last week, now 40 years since the beginning of a murderous binge that lasted a decade. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reopened the case of California’s “Original Night Stalker,” The Orange County Register reports. Between 1976 to 1986, a man traveled the state murdering as many as 12 people and raping 45. The murdering rapist committed a number of attacks in the Orange County area from 1980 to 1986.

“We wanted to put this out, tickle the memories of individuals and see if they recall anything,” said FBI spokeswoman Gina Swankie. “We don’t want someone to feel they’re giving us erroneous information if they say … they had a neighbor who fit the profile. We can still research that individual. There’s a known DNA sample, so it’s easy to exonerate people.” 

The agency is offering a $50,000 reward (see wanted poster here)for information that results in an arrest, according to the article. If the Golden State Killer, another one of his monikers, is still alive, he may:

• Be 60 to 75 Years in Age
• 5 feet 10 Inches Tall
• Have an Athletic Build
• Blond or Light Brown Hair

Ronald G. Brower is a criminal defense attorney in Southern California. Based out of Orange County, Attorney Brower has represented individuals charged with crimes in state and federal court.

Contact the Law Office of Ronald G. Brower online or by telephone at 714-997-4400.