Police have caught the 'Golden State Killer', a man allegedly responsible for the murders of at least 12 people and 50 rapes during the 1970s and 80s.
The killings sparked a huge manhunt, but despite authorities receiving thousands of tips, no one was ever charged with the killings and rapes - until now.
Former cop Joseph James DeAngelo Jr, 72, was taken into custody by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday night, where he was charged with the murders of Brian Maggiore and his wife Katie in 1978 - the pair are believed to be the first two victims of the infamous killer.
DeAngelo was then charged with the murder of Lyman and Charlene Smith, who were killed in 1980.
Officers are now attempting to unequivocally link him to the remaining crimes, although it is unknown if DNA evidence was collected from every crime scene.
According to the FBI a DNA 'breakthrough' led cops to DeAngelo, who was reportedly still living in the area. He was revealed to be a former police officer who lost his job after he was caught shop-lifting. Investigators believe he was working as a cop while carrying out his crimes.
Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas told reporters: "Joseph James DeAngelo has been called a lot of things by law enforcement... Today it's our pleasure to call him defendant.
"Finally, after all these years, the haunting question of who committed these terrible crimes has been put to rest."
Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones said: "When he came out of his residence, we had a team in place that was able to take him into custody. He was very surprised by that.
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"All too often we forget to talk about the victims and today we at least brought the first step towards closure for those victims of these horrendous crimes."
One of DeAngelo's neighbours told the Sacramento Bee: "It's terrifying to think this man could have hopped the fence and come into my backyard. I have children."
Another said: "This guy just had this anger that was just pouring out of him. He'd just be yelling at nothing in the backyard, pacing in circles."
The killer, who was also nicknamed the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker, was known for breaking into people's houses where he raped, killed and took valuables in the Sacramento area. He then moved into East Bay, Ventura and Orange County.
According to the FBI he is believed to have collected property including jewellery, ID cards and coins from the 120 burglaries he is accused of committing.
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Source: Sacramento Bee; Fox
Featured Image Credit: Sacramento Sheriff OfficeTopics: US News