FBI Races Time to Catch the 'Original Night Stalker' Serial Killer

Pleasanton, CA -He killed 12 people, raped dozens more, and the FBI, fearing they are running out of time, wants him behind bars.

The FBI announced a $50,000 reward in a renewed push to catch the Original Night Stalker, a prolific serial killer who escaped justice for decades after terrorizing Californians with his ultra-violent crime spree.

His crimes stretched from Sacramento to Orange County Between 1976 and 1986, earning him the monikers "East Area Rapist" and later the "Original Night Stalker" and the "Golden State Killer." He is believed to have committed 12 homicides, 45 rapes, and more than 120 residential burglaries across the state. According to the FBI, his victims were 13 to 41 years old and included women home alone, women at home with their children, and husbands and wives. Authorities believe they have the DNA evidence to be able to convict the killer — if he is still alive.

Much like the Night Stalker serial killer who came later, the Original Night Stalker terrorized communities by breaking into homes, tying up couples, raping the woman and then killing both the man and the woman.
“Everyone was afraid,” FBI Special Agent and California native Marcus Knutson said at a Sacramento press conference Wednesday. “We had people sleeping with shotguns, we had people purchasing dogs. People were concerned, and they had a right to be. This guy was terrorizing the community. He did horrible things.”
If he is still alive, the killer would now be approximately 60 to 75 years old, according to the FBI. He is described as a white male, and about six feet tall with blond or light brown hair and an athletic build. Investigators suspect he may have an interest or training in military or law enforcement techniques and proficiency with firearms.
“Detectives have DNA from multiple crime scenes that can positively link—or eliminate—suspects,” the FBI announced. “This will allow investigators to easily rule out innocent parties with a simple, non-invasive DNA test.”
The Original Night Stalker’s crimes began in 1976 in the Sacramento area, progressing to San Francisco’s East Bay by 1979. By the 80s, he had moved down South where he committed murders in Orange County.
According to the FBI, the same serial killer committed murders in Goleta on Oct. 10, 1979, Dec. 3, 1979, and July 27, 1981; Ventura  on March 16, 1980; Laguna Niguel  on Aug. 19, 1980; and Irvine on Feb. 6, 1981 and May 5, 1986.
“Regardless of the amount of time that has passed,” said Sgt. Paul Belli, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department detective assigned to the case, “the sheriff’s department never gave up on the investigation. This person ruined a great number of lives, and he should be held accountable.
“Just like any homicide investigation our lifelines are people who give us information,” added Bell. “It all boils down to people helping.” 
Bell said he hopes the $50,000 reward could motivate someone to come forward.
“It may push somebody over the edge who knows something,” Bell said. “It could provide us with that one tip we need.”
Anyone with tips about the case can call (800) CALL-FBI, or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov.

Photos: Crime scene and investigation photos courtesy of the FBI