#‘Golden State Killer’ Joseph DeAngelo sentenced to life in prison

Joseph James DeAngelo — the former police officer known as the “Golden Gate Killer” for his spree of rapes and murders across California in the 1970s and 80s  — was sentenced Friday to multiple consecutive terms of life without parole.

The punishment ensures that DeAngelo, 74, will die in jail for his crimes that terrified the Sacramento area — fear that lingered long after the killing stopped, as the case went cold for decades.

“By listening to the survivors, I’ve watched you. I could not help but wonder what you’re thinking,” Judge Michael Bowman told DeAngelo. “Are you capable of comprehending the pain and anguish you have caused?”

Wearing a white face mask, DeAngelo was expressionless during the hours-long sentencing hearing held in the ballroom of Sacramento State University amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But prior to being officially sentenced, he took off his mask and stood up to address the court.

“I’ve listened to all your statements. Each one of them,” a gaunt-looking DeAngelo said, appearing to choke up.

He took a long pause before adding, “And I’m really sorry to everyone I’ve hurt. Thank you, your honor.”

In June, DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder dating back to the 1970s in a plea deal that spared him the death penalty.

“The court approves this plea. However, the court is not saying that Mr. DeAngelo doesn’t deserve to have the death penalty imposed,” said Bowman. “Mr. DeAngelo will spend the rest of his natural life and ultimately meet his death confined behind the walls of a state penitentiary.”

The sentencing Friday caps a days-long hearing of victim impact statements from families of DeAngelo’s victims.