What The Golden State Killer's Life In Prison Is Really Like

By the time Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. was done confessing to the crimes he'd been connected to with DNA, he had issued a guilty plea to 13 murders and 13 kidnappings. That wasn't it, though: If the statute of limitations hadn't expired, there would have been another 42 rapes, along with another 161 counts of crimes like robbery, burglary, and attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Although an Orange County prosecutor involved in the case called him "the poster child for the death penalty," DeAngelo was not granted this sentencing. Instead, NBC News reported that DeAngelo had been handed consecutive life sentences without parole, and went on to say that the death penalty had been taken off the table in exchange for his confession.

Admitting to the crimes, prosecutors said, was incredibly important for survivors and family members. There's also the matter of his age: Given that it could take a whopping 30 to 35 years to go from trial to execution and DeAngelo was already 74 years old, it was likely he would die from old age on death row (like most people awaiting the death penalty in California). Instead, what life he had left would be spent behind bars, and families would get some much-needed closure.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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