(KMJ) The hunt is on, again, for an elusive serial killer that ravaged California in the ’70’s and ’80’s. The FBI announced a $50,000 reward Wednesday as they renewed their search for the man they say committed at least 12 homicides, 45 rapes and dozens of burglaries across California.
The suspect, now thought to be in his 60’s or early 70’s, was dubbed the East Area Rapist after his start in Northern California. He was also called “The Original Night Stalker”, “The Diamond Knot Killer”, and most recently “The Golden State Killer”.
FBI officials say he’s been linked through DNA and other evidence to more than 175 crimes between 1976 and 1986.
Investigators say the murder spree started in 1976 east of Sacramento and then he targeted Stockton and Modesto before moving on to Southern California.
They say the masked rapist, armed with a gun, would break into homes while single women or couples were sleeping.
Investigators believe the rapes, and dozens of burglaries often used to case neighborhoods, escalated in 1978 when he fatally shot U.S. Air Force Sgt. Brian Maggiore and his wife.
The FBI is launching a nationwide social media campaign and releasing an online mini-documentary and podcast at fbi.gov/sacramento.
