Crime House True Crime Stories: "COLD CASES: Golden State Killer & The Grim Sleeper" – Detailed Summary

Episode Title: COLD CASES: Golden State Killer & The Grim Sleeper
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Vanessa Richardson
Podcast: Crime House True Crime Stories

Introduction: Cold Case Breakthroughs

In this riveting episode, host Vanessa Richardson delves into the harrowing stories of two of California’s most infamous serial killers: Joseph D'Angelo, known as the Golden State Killer, and Lonnie Franklin Jr., dubbed the Grim Sleeper. Under the theme of "Cold Case Breakthroughs," Vanessa meticulously traces the origins, criminal activities, and eventual apprehensions of these elusive criminals, highlighting the pivotal role of advancements in DNA technology and dedicated detective work in solving decades-old cases.

Part 1: The Golden State Killer – Joseph D'Angelo

Early Crimes and Escalation

Vanessa begins by recounting the first known attack by the future Golden State Killer during the week of July 7, 1978. A mother of two was brutally assaulted in her Davis, California home, an act that instilled widespread fear in the Sacramento Valley. Despite the severity of the crime, the perpetrator remained unidentified for decades.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [00:06]: "During the week of July 7, 1978, the public learned that a mysterious attacker had sexually assaulted a woman in Davis, California. He became known as the Golden State Killer..."

Joseph D'Angelo’s Troubled Background

Vanessa provides a detailed background of Joseph D'Angelo, shedding light on his tumultuous upbringing. Born on November 8, 1945, in New York, Joseph experienced significant familial strife, including his parents' constant conflicts and eventual divorce. This instability likely contributed to his later violent behaviors.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [00:06]: "Growing up, things were tense at the d'Angelo home. Joseph's parents couldn't see eye to eye and were constantly getting in screaming matches in front of their children."

Transition to Criminal Activity

After serving in the Navy and attempting to pursue a degree in criminal justice, Joseph's personal life took a dark turn. His abusive relationship with Bonnie Colwell, marked by harassment and attempted kidnapping, signaled the beginning of his descent into criminality. This period saw the onset of his burglary spree, starting in Rancho Cordova and later in Visalia, earning him the monikers "Cordova Cat Burglar" and "Visalia Ransacker."

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [03:07]: "By 1975, the 30-year-old was eager for more. On the night of September 11, 1975, a Visalia resident named Claude Snelling heard whimpering coming from his 16-year-old daughter's room."

Escalation to Murder

Joseph's crimes grew increasingly violent, culminating in multiple murders. Notably, the September 11, 1975 incident resulted in the death of Claude Snelling, intentional or not, marking his first known murder. Subsequent assaults and murders in Sacramento further escalated his threat level, earning him the title "East Area Rapist" (EAR).

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [12:44]: "By 1986, the 40-year-old killer was ready for more violence. In May 1986, he attacked 18-year-old Janelle Cruz in Irvine, marking his last known crime."

Investigation and Breakthrough

For years, Joseph evaded capture, with fragmented investigations across multiple jurisdictions. The turning point came with advancements in DNA technology. In 2018, through the combined efforts of detectives Paul Holes and genetic genealogist Barbara Ray Venter, Joseph was identified and apprehended.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [28:44]: "Thanks to people like Paul Holes and Barbara Ray Venter, one of history's most dangerous killers was taken off the streets after nearly five decades."

Arrest and Conviction

On April 24, 2018, Joseph D'Angelo was arrested in Citrus Heights. Faced with overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder in June 2020, receiving 2026 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [28:58]: "On June 29, 2020, the 74-year-old pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder."

Part 2: The Grim Sleeper – Lonnie Franklin Jr.

Early Life and Initial Crimes

Vanessa shifts focus to Lonnie Franklin Jr., the Grim Sleeper, beginning with his early life in Los Angeles. Born on August 30, 1952, Lonnie's first recorded violent crime occurred in April 1974 in Stuttgart, Germany, where he and two other servicemen kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [29:32]: "Lonnie Franklin Jr. was born in Los Angeles on August 30, 1952, and grew up in the South Central neighborhood."

Criminal Activities and Patterns

After his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1976, Lonnie settled into civilian life but soon resumed his violent tendencies. Between the mid-1980s and early 2000s, he committed a series of murders in South Central Los Angeles, primarily targeting young Black women and sex workers. His methodical approach involved strangulation and shooting, with victims' bodies often found in secluded areas.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [41:03]: "By May 2010, Lonnie's DNA was connected to unsolved murders, leading to a breakthrough in the Grim Sleeper case."

Investigation Challenges and Breakthrough

The Grim Sleeper case remained unsolved for over two decades due to fragmented investigations and the elusive nature of Lonnie’s crimes. The pivotal moment came in 2010 when DNA evidence was re-examined using modern techniques, linking Lonnie to previous unsolved murders.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [40:04]: "In August 2008, investigative journalist Christine Pelesek released an article that intensified public pressure on the LAPD."

Arrest and Conviction

In July 2010, through meticulous surveillance and DNA matching, Lonnie Franklin Jr. was identified and arrested. The evidence against him was overwhelming, including items stolen from victims and incriminating photographs. In May 2016, Lonnie was convicted of 10 murders and one attempted murder, receiving the death penalty. He remained on death row until his death from natural causes in March 2020.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [41:03]: "On May 5, 2016, 63-year-old Lonnie Franklin Jr. was convicted of 10 murders plus one charge of attempted murder."

Conclusion: The Power of DNA and Dedication in Solving Cold Cases

Vanessa underscores the monumental impact of DNA technology and relentless detective efforts in bringing justice to victims of heinous crimes. The cases of Joseph D'Angelo and Lonnie Franklin Jr. exemplify how advancements in forensic science and the perseverance of law enforcement can crack even the coldest of cases after decades.

Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [41:03]: "From the time the technology became commonplace in the 1990s, it has been used to crack countless cold cases that once seemed unsolvable."

The episode serves as a testament to the importance of never giving up on seeking justice, no matter how much time has passed, and highlights the continuous evolution of criminal investigation techniques.

Final Thoughts

"COLD CASES: Golden State Killer & The Grim Sleeper" offers an in-depth exploration of two of California's most notorious serial killers. Through meticulous research and compelling narration, Vanessa Richardson brings to light the complexities of cold case investigations and the profound relief and closure achieved when long-unsolved crimes are finally resolved. This episode is a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts interested in understanding the intricacies of criminal psychology, forensic breakthroughs, and the enduring quest for justice.