Crime Junkie Episode Summary: "SERIAL KILLER: The Hillside Strangler from Los Angeles"

Presented by audiochuck Media Company

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat unravel the chilling true story of the Hillside Strangler, a serial killer duo who terrorized Los Angeles during the late 1970s. The story delves deep into the series of murders, the complexities of the investigation, and the eventual capture and trial of the perpetrators, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of one of California's most infamous criminal cases.

The Onset of Terror: Yolanda Washington's Murder

The narrative begins on October 18, 1977. A detective responds to a gruesome crime scene near the Ventura Freeway, where the body of Yolanda Washington, a 20-year-old sex worker, is found. Her body shows clear signs of brutality—bound with ropes, strangled, and raped. The coroner confirms strangulation as the cause of death and notes that the victim was meticulously cleaned before being abandoned, suggesting a calculated murder rather than a spontaneous act ([04:30] Brit).

Escalation: Judith Lynn Miller and Alyssa Caston

Less than two weeks later, on November 1, 1977, the body of Judith Lynn Miller, a 15-year-old runaway and former Hollywood high school student, is discovered in La Cressida. Similar to Yolanda, Judith had been bound, strangled, and raped before being dumped in a residential driveway—an area that starkly contrasts with the previous dumping ground ([06:47] Brit).

Just five days after Judith’s murder, November 6, 1977, Alyssa Caston, a 21-year-old waitress and dancer, becomes the third victim. Unlike the first two, Alyssa was not involved in sex work, expanding the killer’s victim profile. Her body mirrors the brutality of the prior murders, indicating the perpetrator’s consistent modus operandi ([06:55] Brit).

Pattern Recognition and Investigation Challenges

As more bodies surface, each sharing similar ligature marks and signs of rape, police begin to connect the murders. However, the initial victims being sex workers leads to public apathy, hindering early investigative efforts. Britt emphasizes, "The fact that the media and the press and really the public don't give these cases attention is what allows men to keep killing them" ([10:26] Britt).

The discovery of additional victims, including two young girls—Dolores Ann Cepeda (12) and Sonia Maria Johnson (14)—further complicates the case. Their abductions were witnessed, with reports of them entering a two-tone sedan, a detail that becomes a crucial lead for investigators ([13:10] Brit).

The Killer's Boldness and Clue Gathering

On November 23, 1977, the spree intensifies with the murder of Evelyn Jane King, a 28-year-old actress. Her body is found near the Los Felix off-ramp, displaying the same brutal violence. Investigators now face a total of seven victims within a short timeframe, all connected by a disturbing pattern of abduction, torture, and strangulation ([17:43] Britt).

A significant breakthrough occurs when Lauren Ray Wagner, an 18-year-old business major, is abducted by two men posing as police officers. A witness provides the first physical descriptions of the killers: "one man was older, shorter and had bushy hair, and the other man was younger and very tall" ([20:44] Britt). This revelation confirms the involvement of multiple perpetrators, adding complexity to the investigation.

Capturing the Culprits: Kenneth and Angelo Bianchi

The relentless investigation leads to February 1978, when two more victims are discovered in Bellingham, Washington. This marks the move of Kenneth Bianchi, a security guard with ties to California. Police swiftly identify him as a prime suspect, especially after linking him to the earlier California murders through his driver's license ([29:07] Britt).

Kenneth Bianchi's background reveals a troubled upbringing, marked by a dysfunctional family and a history of deceit and anger issues. His relationship with his older cousin, Angelo "Frank" Bono, becomes a focal point. Together, they orchestrate a series of abductions and murders, targeting women indiscriminately, whether they were sex workers or not.

The Trial and Legal Proceedings

Following Kenneth Bianchi's arrest, police connect him to Angelo Bono, leading to both being charged with multiple counts of murder, kidnapping, and rape. During Kenneth's trial, he attempts to feign dissociative identity disorder, introducing a fabricated persona named Steve Walker. However, his legal defense collapses when experts recognize the pretense, forcing Kenneth to testify against Angelo in exchange for a reduced sentence ([42:54] Britt).

Angelo Bono's trial proves to be protracted and complex, ultimately resulting in a conviction on nine counts of murder in 1983. While Kenneth receives a life sentence with the possibility of parole, Angelo is sentenced to life without parole, effectively a death sentence in California law at the time ([44:17] Britt).

Aftermath and Reflections

Post-conviction, Kenneth remains incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, while Angelo Bono dies in prison in 2002 from a heart attack. The episode highlights the lack of public awareness and media attention these cases initially received, underscoring the societal biases against sex workers and the importance of media in pursuing justice ([48:28] Britt).

Britt poignantly remembers the victims, emphasizing the need to honor their memories and learn from these tragedies: "The people we should be remembering here are Yolanda Washington, Judith Miller, Lissa Kastin, Jane King, Dolores Cepeda, Sonia Johnson, Christina Weckler, Lauren Wagner, Kimberly Martin, Cindy Hudspeth, Karen Mandick, and Diane Wilder" ([49:01] Britt).

Safety Insights and Closing Thoughts

Concluding the episode, the hosts reiterate crucial personal safety rules, advocating for vigilance and skepticism when approached by strangers, especially those claiming authority. They emphasize the importance of verifying identities to prevent similar atrocities: "If you get pulled over by an unmarked car or someone who is claiming to be an officer, it's okay to ask questions, it's okay to call in and verify they are who they say they are" ([50:11] Britt).

Ashley Flowers encapsulates the essence of the Crime Junkie community's mission: to educate and protect by sharing detailed true crime stories, ensuring that listeners are both informed and vigilant.

Notable Quotes

• Brit Prawat [04:30]: "The victim had been thoroughly cleaned by the killer prior to being dumped."

• Brit Prawat [06:55]: "Another victim was chosen at random. Angelo and Kenneth had, from what we can tell, no motive other than a general hatred of women."

• Brit Prawat [10:26]: "The fact that the media and the press and really the public don't give these cases attention is what allows men to keep killing them."

• Brit Prawat [20:44]: "This gave police their first confirmation that more than one man might be involved in this killing spree."

• Brit Prawat [49:01]: "These were all real people who were meant to have a future that was stolen by these two horrible men."

Conclusion

This episode of Crime Junkie offers a thorough exploration of the Hillside Strangler case, shedding light on the investigation's challenges, societal biases, and the enduring impact on the victims' families. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, Ashley and Brit provide listeners with a compelling narrative that honors the victims and underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance in preventing such tragedies.