Golden State Killer. Genetic Genealogy. GEDmatch. Joseph James DeAngelo.

For over four decades, the Golden State Killer terrorized California, committing murders, rapes, and burglaries while evading every traditional investigative method. Detectives had DNA — but no name.

Then everything changed.

In this episode, we break down how genetic genealogy and public DNA databases like GEDmatch led investigators to Joseph James DeAngelo, a former police officer who hid in plain sight for 40 years. This is the inside story of the forensic breakthrough that reshaped modern law enforcement forever.

We explore the science behind familial DNA matching, the ethical controversy surrounding privacy, and the investigative process that connected distant relatives to one of America’s most infamous serial criminals: the Golden State Killer, later identified as Joseph James DeAngelo.

This isn’t just a true crime story. It’s the moment technology rewrote justice.

If you’re fascinated by forensic science, cold case breakthroughs, criminal psychology, or modern investigative tactics, this episode will change how you think about DNA forever.

00:00 The Case That Haunted California

03:12 Who Was the Golden State Killer?

07:45 The DNA Evidence That Went Nowhere

12:30 What Is Genetic Genealogy?

18:10 How GEDmatch Became the Key

24:55 Building the Killer’s Family Tree

31:40 Narrowing Down to One Man

36:20 The Arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo

41:10 The Ethical Debate Around DNA Databases

47:30 How This Case Changed Law Enforcement Forever

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