He was a Concord resident; police seek suspect for felony battery
By Lt. William Whitaker # 6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5:42 p.m., Antioch police officers responded to the 700 block of W. 1st Street for a report of a physical fight in progress. While en route, officers were advised that one of the involved individuals had collapsed.
Upon arrival, officers located a 48-year-old man unconscious but breathing and immediately provided medical aid. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
The victim never regained consciousness and was removed from life support on March 21, 2026.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively investigating this incident. No additional information is being released at this time. The Investigations Bureau will provide updates as they become available.
UPDATE 1: Asked if the victim was homeless, Lt. Whitaker responded, “He was not. He was a resident of Concord.”
Asked if his name has been released, Whitaker responded, “We were waiting for family notification. Not sure if the coroner made contact.”
The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office has been contacted requesting the victim’s identity. Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jeong at (925) 779-6933 or jjeong@antiochca.gov.
Will also deal with legal matters including the ongoing civil rights class action lawsuit, potential lawsuit with “significant exposure” and two cases; Measure W spending & Economic Development reports
By Allen D. Payton
During a Special Meeting before their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Antioch City Council will discuss development of the 2026-27 Fiscal Year budget with a potential $13.5 to $14.1 million deficit. During their regular meeting the council members will also discuss approving an AI assistant for police dispatch, and receive reports on both Measure W spending, which has decreased the amount for police down to 65.4%, and economic development.
Closed Session, Lawsuits & Property Negotiations
But first, at 4:00 p.m., the Council will hold a Closed Session during which they will discuss the ongoing Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., civil rights class action lawsuit that’s not yet completely settled. (See related articles here and here) They will also discuss a potential lawsuit described as, Significant Exposure to Litigation. The description for that agenda item reads, “The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff and that pertain to potential claims by the potential plaintiff against the City. Two cases.”
Finally, the Closed Session agenda item 3, the Council will enter into Real Property Negotiations with Lone Tree Golf & Event Center Manager Ron Parish for two properties, 4800 Golf Course Road and West 1st Street. The City owns both the Lynn House and the old Mayor Hard House on that street. UPDATE: Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas and City PIO Jaden Baird later explained that including West 1st Street was a mistake and the negotiations are only about the golf and event center.
Source: City of Antioch
Budget Study Session
At 5:00 p.m., the Council will hold Special Meeting/Study Session on the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget Development. The City is facing a double-digit deficit of $13.5 million to $14.1 million depending if the council approves increasing the number of sworn police officers to 117.
AI Assistant for Police Dispatch
During their regular meeting, under the Consent Calendar Item J., the council will consider approving a Sole Source Agreement with Prepared to provide an AI assistive call taking system for the Police Department Dispatch Center for a two-year term, in an amount not to exceed $248,400 for Years 1 through 2, with an option to extend for three additional years.
According to the city staff report, “The Dispatch Center is currently operating with four Dispatcher vacancies out of 17 allocated positions (13 Dispatchers and 4 Leads), representing an approximately 24% vacancy rate. Call demand remains consistently high. The Police Dispatch Center handled approximately 72,000 9-1-1 calls in both 2024 and 2025. Non-emergency call activity remained steady as well, at approximately 208,000 calls annually. In addition to phone call volume, the Police Department handled 86,185 calls for service incidents in 2025, including AQCRT (Community Response Team) calls, which require ongoing dispatch coordination beyond the initial intake.”
Assistive call taking technology is intended to support Dispatchers, not replace them with the following:
Improve Service for Non-Emergency Callers and Reduce Hold Times
Support Emergency Calls Through “Co-Pilot” Functionality
Improve Documentation and Reduce Staff Time Spent on Records Requests
Expand Language Access and Support DOJ (Department of Justice) MOA (Memorandum of Understanding) Obligations
Measure W Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Annual Report
Under Consent Calendar agenda Item N. the Council will receive the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report on Measure W (1% Sales Tax). It will show the amount being spent on police has decreased from 80%, as originally intended, to now, just 65.4%.
Economic Development Update
In addition, according to the City staff report for agenda item 7, the Council receive an update on the City’s Economic Development activities and progress, provide policy direction as appropriate, and offer feedback to staff on priorities and the timing of subsequent updates to the City Council. The matter is part of the Council’s 6-Month Priority list.
Meeting Details
The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. The latter two meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street, or can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
Chief Joe Vigil (2nd from right in left photo) is joined by award winners including (l-r) Civilian Employee of the Year Crime Analyst Mike Raney, Dispatcher of the Year Autumn Turnage and Officer of the Year Steven Miller. (Right) Life Saving Awards were presented to (L-R) Detective Geoffrey Morris, Sergeant Robert Green, and Officer Kyle Smith. All photos: Antioch PD
Including Dispatcher & Civilian Employee of the Year and Distinguished Service & Life Saving Awards; Chief Vigil shares reasons each was honored
By Antioch Police Department
Monday night, March 8, 2026, the Antioch Police Department had the honor of recognizing several employees for their outstanding work and dedication to our community. Awards presented included Officer of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, Civilian Employee of the Year, Distinguished Service Award and Life Saving Awards.
Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner is thanked by Lt. Franco Cesar during the annual awards ceremony. Lt. William Whitaker (inset) was also honored.
We also recognized Captain Desmond Bittner for his leadership and work with the SWAT Team, and Lieutenant William “Bill” Whitaker for his dedication to the K-9 Team.
During the ceremony, Chief Joe Vigil shared about each of the award winners and the reasons they were honored:
2025 Antioch Police Officer of Year Steven Miller is congratulated by Captain Shane Bower (left) and with Chief Vigil (right).
Officer of the Year – Officer Steven Miller
This nomination recognizes an officer whose exceptional work ethic, unwavering dedication to the Field Training Officer program, proactive policing style, and consistently high-quality investigative work have made a significant impact on the Antioch Police Department over the past year.
This officer consistently demonstrates a level of professionalism and commitment that exceeds the expectations of the position. Their work ethic is evident in daily performance, reliability, and a willingness to take initiative without prompting. Every assignment is approached with focus, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility, setting a positive example for peers and newer officers alike.
As a Field Training Officer, this individual has shown outstanding dedication to developing the next generation of officers. They take the responsibility of training seriously, investing the time and effort necessary to ensure that trainees are not only competent, but confident, ethical, and officer-safe. Their ability to teach, mentor, and lead by example has had a direct and positive impact on the overall quality of officers entering solo patrol.
This officer is also recognized as extremely proactive in the field. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, they actively seek out criminal activity, identify patterns and trends, and take enforcement action that enhances public safety. This proactive mindset has resulted in numerous arrests, significant seizures, and meaningful law enforcement contacts that may not have occurred without their initiative and awareness.
In addition, this officer has developed a strong reputation for the preparation and execution of search warrants. Their warrants are thorough, articulate, and legally sound, reflecting a strong understanding of case law and investigative procedure. Attention to detail and a commitment to constitutional policing have contributed to successful investigations and prosecutions while minimizing risk to the department.
In every aspect of their work whether mentoring new officers, proactively policing the community, or conducting detailed investigative work this officer exemplifies the professionalism, dedication, and leadership that define the best of our department.
For these reasons, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Officer of the Year Steven Miller.
2025 Antioch Police Dispatcher of the Year Autumn Turnage with Dispatch Manager Stacey Malsom during the ceremony.
Dispatcher of the Year – Autumn Turnage
It is my honor for Dispatcher of the Year in recognition of an individual whose professionalism, sound judgment, and dedication to public safety have made a profound impact on the department and the community. Dispatchers serve as the critical first point of contact in emergencies, often managing life-and-death situations while ensuring officer safety in rapidly evolving circumstances. The individual being recognized today exemplifies the very best of this profession.
On Christmas Eve of 2024, while working a 16-hour shift, this dispatcher answered a 911 call from a man whose boat had sunk, leaving him stranded in the water and fearing for his life. Over the course of nearly an hour, the dispatcher remained on the line as a steady voice during an extremely emotional and frightening situation. The caller repeatedly stated he could not feel his legs, believed he was going to die, and asked that his father and sister be told that he loved them.
Throughout the call, the dispatcher coordinated critical information between multiple agencies, including GPS coordinates and Rapid Deploy location pings, in order to assist the Coast Guard in locating the victim. While maintaining calm and reassurance for the caller, the dispatcher carried the heavy weight of knowing that time was running out. At 12:02 a.m. on Christmas morning, the Coast Guard successfully rescued the man and brought him safely to shore. The rescue later received regional and national media attention, highlighting the dispatcher’s role in saving a life.
In addition to these extraordinary incidents, this dispatcher serves as one of the department’s top Communications Training Officers and has been instrumental in the development of new dispatch personnel. Known for patience, thoroughness, and an approachable personality, this individual creates an environment where trainees feel comfortable asking questions and learning the complexities of the profession. In 2025 alone, this dispatcher trained three new dispatchers over a period of approximately six months.
Through professionalism, dedication, and a genuine commitment to helping others, this individual has made a lasting impact on the department, the officers in the field, and the community they serve. Their work reflects the highest standards of the communications profession.
For consistent excellence, extraordinary performance under pressure, and a deep commitment to public safety, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Dispatcher of the Year Autumn Turnage.
2025 Antioch Police Civilian Employee of the Year Crime Analyst Mike Raney is congratulated by Captain Desmond Bittner during the awards ceremony.
Civilian Employee of the Year – Crime Analyst Mike Raney
It is my honor to present for Civilian of the Year in recognition of an individual whose exceptional dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment have made a significant impact on the mission of the Antioch Police Department.
Serving as a Crime Analyst, this individual consistently performs far beyond the expectations of the position. During a year marked by staffing shortages and increased operational demands, they stepped up without hesitation to ensure that critical investigative and analytical functions continued without disruption. Their initiative and work ethic directly contributed to the success of numerous investigations and helped maintain the overall effectiveness of the department.
Over the past year alone, this person completed more than 100 cellular phone extractions, providing vital digital evidence that proved instrumental in multiple criminal cases. In addition, they authored more than 50 search warrants, demonstrating both strong technical expertise and a thorough understanding of legal standards. Their work has helped investigators obtain timely and lawful access to crucial evidence in complex investigations.
Beyond these measurable accomplishments, what truly sets this individual apart is a willingness to do whatever is needed to support the department. Whether assisting detectives, supporting patrol operations, handling time-sensitive requests, or stepping in to help with responsibilities outside the normal scope of their duties, this person consistently answers the call. Their reliability, adaptability, and problem-solving skills have made them an indispensable resource and a trusted partner to sworn personnel.
While much of this work happens behind the scenes, its impact is anything but hidden. The efforts of this individual have had a direct and lasting effect on public safety, case solvability, and the overall success of the department. Their dedication exemplifies the highest standards of service and reflects great credit upon themselves and the Antioch Police Department.
For extraordinary contributions, selfless commitment, and outstanding performance, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Civilian of the Year Michael Raney.
2025 Antioch Police Distinguished Service Award winner Detective Geoffrey Morris with Sargeant Dan Fachner as Sgt. Rob Green looks on.
Distinguished Service Award – Detective Geoffrey Morris
Detective Geoffrey Morris is recognized for his decisive actions, determination, and leadership during the pursuit and apprehension of an attempted residential burglary suspect on December 30, 2025.
At approximately 0950 hours, patrol units responded to reports of a male suspect moving through residential backyards and attempting to break into a home. The suspect was actively fleeing from officers and had already escalated his behavior by attempting to force entry into an occupied residence. As the suspect continued to move rapidly through neighborhood properties, his actions created an ongoing threat to the safety of local residents.
Detective Morris responded to assist patrol officers and actively participated in the search and containment efforts as updates indicated the suspect was continuing to evade law enforcement. During the operation, officers broadcast information that the suspect had fled into a large open field accessed from Empire Mine Road. When Detective Morris arrived at the location, he immediately identified a locked gate that prevented vehicle access into the area. The gate was secured with a heavy chain and multiple locks anchored by cemented posts, and the surrounding terrain prevented officers from bypassing the barrier with their vehicles. This obstacle created a significant operational challenge and provided the suspect with a critical opportunity to increase distance and escape into open terrain.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the importance of maintaining containment, Detective Morris took immediate action. Using physical force, he defeated the chain and locking mechanism, causing one of the locks to fail and allowing officers to open the gate. His quick and decisive action restored access to Empire Mine Road and enabled responding units to rapidly enter the field and continue the search. Without Detective Morris’s intervention, officers would have been significantly delayed at a crucial moment, greatly increasing the likelihood that the suspect would have escaped.
Shortly after officers gained access to the area, the suspect was located along a dirt path, visibly exhausted and soaked from running through wet terrain. Detective Morris immediately climbed over a four-foot barbed-wire style fence and safely took the suspect into custody without further incident, placing him in handcuffs and maintaining control through proper officer safety procedures.
Detective Morris demonstrated exceptional initiative, determination, and leadership throughout the incident. By recognizing a critical obstacle, acting immediately to overcome it, and decisively taking the suspect into custody in challenging terrain, he directly influenced the successful outcome of the operation. His actions reflect a high level of professionalism and dedication to the safety of the community.
For his outstanding performance and commitment to service, Detective Geoffrey Morris is deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.
2025 Antioch Police Department Life Saving Award winner Officer Kyle Smith is congratulated by Lt. Bill Whitaker during the ceremony.
Life Saving Award – Officer Kyle Smith
On March 18, 2023, Officer Kyle Smith to 137 Wilbur Avenue after an 11-year-old reporting party called 9-1-1 requesting immediate help for an assault in progress.
Upon arrival, Officer Smith encountered a rapidly evolving emergency. Outside the residence he observed clear signs of a violent attack, including a large amount of blood and a knife leading to the open apartment door.
Officer Smith immediately made entry and located multiple victims inside the apartment, including two juveniles, 14-year-old Oscar and 11-year-old Yaret both suffering from stab wounds. Officer Smith quickly assessed the victims and recognized that Oscar had sustained the most critical injuries, including a large open wound to the back near the left shoulder blade with significant bleeding and exposed tissue. Understanding the life-threatening nature of the injury and the urgency of the moment, Officer Smith retrieved his medical kit and immediately began lifesaving measures. He exposed the wound, packed it with gauze, and applied firm direct pressure while closely monitoring Oscar’s condition until emergency medical personnel arrived and assumed care.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Oscar was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Oakland and was later listed in critical condition. Officer Smith’s immediate and decisive trauma care controlled the bleeding during the most critical moments following the assault and may have been the determining factor in the victim’s survival.
Despite the chaotic and emotionally charged environment, Officer Smith remained composed and continued his duties by obtaining an immediate suspect identification and broadcasting the suspect’s name over the radio. This information proved critical in assisting responding officers, ultimately leading to the suspect’s apprehension following a lengthy high-speed pursuit.
Officer Smith’s actions demonstrated exceptional judgment, composure under extreme pressure, and decisive lifesaving intervention during a critical incident involving severely injured juvenile victims. His swift medical response directly contributed to stabilizing a critically injured child prior to advanced medical treatment.
Officer Kyle Smith’s courage, professionalism, and commitment to protecting the lives of others exemplify the highest standards of the Antioch Police Department and make him deserving of the Life Saving Award. (See related articles here and here)
2025 Antioch Police Department Life Saving Award winners Sgt. Rob Green and Detective Geoffrey Morris. Green is congratulated by Sgt. Dan Fachner (right).
Life Saving Awards – Sergeant Robert Green and Detective Geoffrey Morris
On February 8, 2024, at approximately 1815 hours, officers with the Antioch Police Department responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting that a vehicle had driven into the Antioch Marina boat ramp and had become submerged with the driver still inside.
Sergeant Green and Detective Morris were the first to arrive on scene and immediately observed the vehicle several yards out in the water, with the interior already completely flooded. Without hesitation and recognizing the imminent danger to the trapped occupant, both officers entered the cold water to attempt a rescue.
Upon reaching the vehicle, they discovered an unresponsive female driver inside, facedown and trapped within the submerged car. The vehicle’s doors were locked, preventing immediate access. Acting quickly, Detective Morris used a rescue tool to break a window while Sergeant Green positioned himself to remove the victim. Once the window was broken, Sergeant Green was able to pull the unconscious driver from the vehicle. Detective Morris then carried the victim out of the water and onto the boat ramp where she could receive further assistance.
After the rescue, Sergeant Green returned to the vehicle to ensure no additional occupants were inside. Citizens at the scene assisted by providing ropes to secure the vehicle and prevent it from drifting further into the Delta.
Due to the decisive actions, courage, and teamwork demonstrated by Sergeant Green and Detective Morris, the victim was successfully rescued and later regained consciousness. She was transported to a local hospital where she made a full recovery.
Their willingness to immediately place themselves in danger in order to save the life of another reflects the highest traditions of the Antioch Police Department and is worthy of recognition through the Life Saving Award.
We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their commitment to serving our community every day. Congratulations to all of the recipients!
By Captain Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
The Antioch Police Department is investigating an early Sunday morning shooting that left one person hospitalized.
On March 15, 2026, at around 2:25 a.m., Antioch police officers responded to a report of gunshots and a person yelling for help at Country Manor Park in the 2600 block of Asilomar Drive.
Officers located a 25-year-old man suffering from at least one gunshot wound near the north end of the park by Yorkshire Drive. Officers immediately began providing medical aid until paramedics arrived. They also secured the scene and searched the area for evidence and witnesses.
The man was transported to a local hospital, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
The investigation remains active, and no additional information is being released at this time. The man’s identity is not being released.
This information is being provided by the Field Services Division. Any future updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau.
By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at around 11:22 p.m, Antioch Police Officers responded to reports of gunshots and a man down in the parking lot on the 600 block of Wilbur Avenue.
Officers immediately rendered first aid to an 18-year-old man suffering from two gunshot wounds until the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District arrived. He was transported to a local trauma center, where he remains in critical condition.
Antioch Police Officers secured the scene and collected evidence related to the incident.
First, a Contra Costa Sheriff’s Cadet (left), then an Antioch Police K9 Handler with Danto (right), Loren Bledsoe, seen handing out Christmas gifts (center), ends his career as a sergeant. Source: Antioch PD
Leaves after 20 years on the force with “invaluable lessons, cherished friendships and a deep love for this community”
By Antioch Police Department
Sgt. Loren Bledsoe in a patrol vehicle. Photo: Antioch PD
After 20 years of service, Sergeant Loren Bledsoe is hanging up the badge.
He first served as a Cadet with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
Since joining the Antioch Police Department in 2005, Sgt. Bledsoe served our community in many roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, K-9 Handler with K9 Danto, and Sergeant in Professional Standards, Investigations, and Patrol. He also served on the Mutual Aid Field Force.
As a Robbery/Homicide Detective, he worked some of the department’s most serious cases, helping bring answers and justice to victims and their families.
Bledsoe also served as Vice President of the Antioch Police Officers Association.
Twenty years of service.
Twenty years of commitment.
Twenty years protecting Antioch.
Thank you for your leadership and dedication, Sergeant.
Enjoy your well-earned retirement.
When reached for comment Bledsoe said, “I am grateful to have been part of this incredible journey, taking with me invaluable lessons, cherished friendships and a deep love for this community and the members of the Antioch Police Department.”
Sacramento DA’s new book offers first insider account
Includes details from one of Contra Costa County’s darkest chapters
By Angelle Barbazon, Lead Publicist, Books Forward
SACRAMENTO – In “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” (Third State Books), Thien Ho, the current District Attorney of Sacramento County, delivers the first official account of the investigation, capture and prosecution of Joseph James DeAngelo, Jr., one of California’s and America’s most notorious serial predators. Known by many chilling names over the years, including the East Area Rapist, the Original Nightstalker, the Visalia Ransacker and finally the Golden State Killer, DeAngelo terrorized California communities for over a decade – and then disappeared without a trace for more than 30 years.
After more than 40 years of fear and unanswered questions, it was Thien who finally secured DeAngelo’s life sentence. Now, for the first time, Thien is pulling back the curtain in “The People vs. the Golden State Killer”. The book includes never-before-heard survivor testimony, chilling details of DeAngelo’s deception and behind-the-scenes insights from the investigators who refused to let him escape justice.
The book covers one of Contra Costa County’s darkest chapters. DeAngelo’s crimes included more than 120 burglaries, over 50 rapes and 13 murders across six counties, with Contra Costa residents among the victims he terrorized for decades. All the while, he lived in plain sight as a cop, a husband and even a neighbor, hiding in the very communities he stalked. (See related Herald articles hereandhere).
Joseph James DeAngelo, Jr. pleads guilty during his hearing on Monday, June 29, 2020. Screenshot of YouTube video. 2018 arrest photo. Source: Sacramento County Sheriff.
As the lead prosecutor on the case, Ho recounts the exhilarating and harrowing experience of bringing a cold-case killer to justice and putting him behind bars for life. Rather than focusing solely on the criminal and the crimes, Ho’s narrative centers the dedicated law-enforcement teams who never gave up their pursuit of the GSK; and the courageous survivors of his crimes who fought to heal and regain control of their lives. “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” includes hundreds of never-before-revealed details and firsthand insights. Unlike previous accounts, this is the first time the public hears directly from the lead prosecutor who helped close the case. The book also features the authorized voices of survivors who turned their trauma into powerful advocacy.
A portion of the book’s proceeds will benefit Phyllis’s Garden, a nonprofit that honors a GSK survivor and champions victims’ rights.
Ho also recounts his equally compelling personal story: a Vietnamese refugee whose family fled Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, he arrived in the United States knowing no English. He rose from being an intern to being elected Sacramento County District Attorney in 2022, becoming one of only 10 Asian American district attorneys out of 2,400 nationwide. He brings both legal authority and emotional truth to a case that gripped the country and the world.
About the Author
Thien Ho is the author of “The People vs. The Golden State Killer.” He was elected District Attorney of Sacramento County in 2022 and took office in 2023. Over a 25-year legal career, he has prosecuted hundreds of high-profile sexual assault, gang, and homicide cases and served as supervisor of the Gang and Hate Crime Unit. In 2017, he received Prosecutor of the Year honors from both the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association and the Sacramento DA’s Office. He is best known for successfully prosecuting Joseph DeAngelo, a.k.a. the Golden State Killer.
What Others Are Saying
“Ho’s careful, well-written account chronicles [how] DeAngelo was brought to justice. . . . A disturbing real-world procedural about ‘the bogeyman who couldn’t be found—until we found him.’” – Kirkus Reviews
“A worthwhile account of a well-covered case . . . Most affecting are Ho’s interviews with DeAngelo’s surviving victims, who starkly recount their kidnappings and assaults. The autobiographical sections in which Ho discusses his path from Vietnamese war refugee to Northern California prosecutor are inspiring.” – Publishers Weekly
“Sacramento DA Thien Ho is a tenacious prosecutor who played a crucial role in putting the Golden State Killer in prison for life. ‘The People vs. the Golden State Killer’ is a riveting behind-the-scenes account about the investigation, capture, and prosecution of Joseph DeAngelo.” – Paul Holes, bestselling author of “Unmasked”
An Interview with Thien Ho
You explore Joseph DeAngelo’s backstory and early signs of violence. How did that psychological profile affect the way you viewed him?
His early behavior showed a clear escalation … voyeurism, theft, then rape and murder. It was a classic profile of a predator who felt entitled to power and control. Understanding that helped us anticipate his behavior and build a stronger case. But it also underscored how many warning signs were missed. That made our pursuit of justice all the more urgent. We could not change the past, but we could make sure he never hurt anyone again.
He led a split life – a police officer by day, predator by night. What did you learn about how he managed to keep that double identity hidden for so long, even from his family?
DeAngelo was meticulous. He compartmentalized his life with surgical precision. He was not impulsive, he planned, he stalked, he adapted. That is how he avoided capture for so long. It was chilling to realize that someone could commit such evil while maintaining the appearance of normalcy. But evil does not always look like a monster. Sometimes it looks like your neighbor.
DeAngelo’s behavior during the interrogation was chilling. He tried to fake insanity and even hurt himself after the arrest. At what point did you and your team stop seeing these actions as confusion or remorse, and start seeing them as strategy?
Very early on. We saw through the act. He whispered to himself in the interrogation room, trying to create this narrative of mental instability, but the timing and the manner were too deliberate. It was not remorse, it was manipulation. He had eluded capture for decades using deception. This was just another tactic. But this time, it did not work.
DeAngelo tried to appear weak and frail in court. How did that version of him compare to the man you knew he really was behind the scenes?
It was an act, a carefully staged performance. In reality, DeAngelo was calculating, manipulative, and far more aware than he pretended to be. I had seen the evidence, the way he moved, how he covered his tracks. He wanted the world to see a broken old man. But we knew better. The survivors knew better. And the truth won.
At one point, you made a rare promise to a survivor that you would get her justice. What made you make that promise, and did it stay with you during the case?
She had waited decades to be believed, and when she looked me in the eye and asked if this time would be different, I knew I could not let her down. I promised I would fight for her like she was my own family. That promise was with me every day of the case. It guided every decision, every argument, every late night. And when justice came, I thought of her first.
Unlike most books and documentaries that focus on the killer, your book centers the survivors and the people who brought him to justice. Why was that shift so important to you, and how did you approach telling such personal, painful stories with care?
Too often, the spotlight stays on the monster. I wanted to shift the focus to the heroes; the survivors, the investigators, and the prosecutors who never gave up. These are people who found the courage to speak, to remember, and to fight back. I approached their stories with the same care I brought to court … listen deeply, tell the truth, and honor their humanity. They are the soul of this case.
Hearing survivor impact statements must have been an incredibly powerful moment. Was there one that especially stayed with you?
Every single statement hit me hard, but one survivor, someone who had never spoken publicly before, looked DeAngelo in the eye and told him she was no longer afraid. That moment stuck with me. Her strength, after everything she endured, reminded me why we fight so hard for justice. It was not just about locking him up, it was about restoring power to those he tried to destroy.
Now that DeAngelo is behind bars for life, what can you share about his life in prison?
What I can say is this, DeAngelo lives in a prison cell, just as he once trapped his victims in fear. He is no longer in control. He no longer gets to hide behind a mask of normalcy. And he will never walk free again. That is the justice system doing its job, and it will do so until his last breath.
Are there any unanswered questions or unresolved pieces of this case that still weigh on you?
There are always questions that linger in a case like this. Some of DeAngelo’s crimes remain unconfirmed or unsolved, and I suspect there may be victims we still do not know about. We did everything in our power to connect the dots, but the passage of time erases evidence, and sadly, sometimes, voices. I carry the weight of what we could not prove alongside the pride of what we did.
After years of work, what did “justice” look like for you – not just legally, but personally and emotionally – when this case finally concluded?
Justice, for me, was not just a sentence; it was a sense of peace for the survivors who carried these scars for decades. Seeing DeAngelo wheeled into court, forced to hear the voices of the people he tried to silence, was powerful. But it was also deeply personal. I came to this country as a refugee fleeing violence. To now serve as the elected District Attorney and bring one of the nation’s most brutal serial predators to justice was full circle. It meant something bigger than any verdict.
What justice means to him
Bringing DeAngelo to justice was not only a legal victory. It was a personal, full-circle moment that symbolized hope and accountability.
“The People vs. The Golden State Killer”
Thien Ho | Nov. 11, 2025 | Third State Books | Nonfiction / True Crime
Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; Contra Costa DA’s Office, Pittsburg PD participate
By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office
Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.
Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”
The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.
For two weeks before the Big Game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies, and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.
Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized.
