The Unraveling Of The Golden State Killer Case: A Journey Of Dedication And Tragedy

For years, the Golden State Killer had been a cold case long abandoned by California police, but journalist Michelle McNamara, along with a few fellow sleuths and internet friends, turned the heat back on an investigation that would eventually become a national news story.

McNamara’s long chase would become an exhausting and all-consuming one, its grip on her so tight that it led to a homebrewed cocktail of pharmaceuticals that were meant to alleviate the stress but instead aggravated an undiagnosed heart condition and killed her. In a way, that made the 46-year-old McNamara the long-dormant killer’s final victim, but she ultimately achieved the justice for which she was searching: Two years after her passing, around the same time that her book about the chase, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, was posthumously released, the killer was finally caught.

Fascination with Unsolved Mysteries

Michelle McNamara was captivated by unsolved mysteries and grisly crimes from a young age. This fascination took root during her high school years when a woman was murdered near her childhood home. The shock of that event pushed her to explore the darker side of human nature, leading her to pursue a career in writing.

After moving to Hollywood, she married comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, who encouraged her to channel her passion into writing. In 2006, she launched a blog called True Crime Diary, which became her outlet for sharing her research on cold cases and her evolving writing style.

Discovering the Golden State Killer Case

Her interest in the Golden State Killer case began when she came across a self-published book by retired detective Larry Crompton, one of the few remaining law enforcement agents still invested in solving the case. This discovery led her to an online community dedicated to the A&E show Cold Case Files, where she found others equally obsessed with the enigmatic saga.

The Golden State Killer case originally consisted of two separate cases that were merged due to advancements in DNA testing technology. Between 1976 and 1979, a serial rapist known as the East Area Rapist assaulted around 50 women in Northern California. He later moved to Southern California, where he committed several murders before disappearing in 1986.

Reviving a Cold Case

In 2011, DNA evidence confirmed that the rapist and murderer were the same person, resulting in the combined acronym EAR/ONS. It was McNamara who coined the term "Golden State Killer," a name that served to highlight his reign of terror across California and reignite public interest in the case.

Her relentless efforts to spotlight the case were evident in her blog and articles for Los Angeles Magazine. In a 2013 article, she painted a vivid picture of the killer, describing him as tall, Caucasian, and having a high-pitched voice that often expressed his financial woes.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

McNamara worked closely with her online friends, many of whom had access to confidential files and information about the case. As her obsession grew, she hired a research assistant named Paul Haynes to help manage the vast amount of information she accumulated.

In her writings, she mentioned a close friend from the message board who gave her tours of the crime scenes in Northern California. This friend had come close to being a victim, as the assailant would often stalk and learn about his targets before striking.

The Dark Side of Obsession

As McNamara delved deeper into her investigation, it began to consume her life. Despite being a devoted mother to her young daughter, her evenings were filled with research and evidence analysis. She became acquainted with police officers and detectives, collecting thousands of pages of evidence and piecing together a complex investigation.

Her friend Sarah Stanard described how McNamara had a room filled with boxes of files, often isolating herself for days on end. She received calls and emails from survivors and victims' families daily, all of whom sought justice for their loved ones.

The Tragic End

Tragically, McNamara passed away on April 21, 2016, while still immersed in her investigation. Her husband was unaware of the dangerous cocktail of pharmaceuticals she was using to cope with the stress, only learning of it after her death through the coroner's report.

Oswalt later remarked on the toll that the stress had taken on her, indicating that she lacked the experience to compartmentalize her emotions like a seasoned detective would. The loss of McNamara was not only a personal tragedy but a significant setback for the case she had so passionately pursued.

Continuing the Fight

Following her death, Oswalt was determined to see his late wife's work completed. He hired Haynes and investigative journalist Billy Jensen to sift through McNamara's extensive files and notes to finish her book, which offered insights into her brilliant mind and the investigation she had undertaken.

In the year of her passing, California authorities launched a task force focused on apprehending the Golden State Killer, calling upon the public for tips and utilizing DNA evidence to aid their efforts.

The Killer is Finally Caught

The Golden State Killer was ultimately apprehended in 2018, only months after the release of McNamara’s book. The perpetrator was identified as Joseph James DeAngelo, a former police officer who had previously left the force after being caught shoplifting. Although authorities were hesitant to acknowledge McNamara's contributions, Oswalt staunchly defended her role, asserting that her public crusade was instrumental in bringing the killer to justice.

In June 2020, DeAngelo pled guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of kidnapping. By August, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a significant closure for the victims and their families.