Sacramento

The Golden State Killer was most active in Sacramento between 1976-1977. His presence left an enduring mark in several neighborhoods, particularly in East Sacramento, which resulted in him being called the East Area Rapist. He attacked nine times in six months, four of which were in Rancho Cordova, several of them alongside the American River. Among the attacks, he raped Sheila and also Jane Carson, while her child was in the room. Richard Shelby and Carol Daly were assigned to the case, although Richard Shelby was eventually removed.

After news of his attacks on lone women was published in the Sacramento Bee, he began targeting heterosexual couples in their homes. He would often steal cherished things form the scene of the crime. Even with an average of two victims a month, he evaded all detection. Shelby theorizes that he used underground tunnels along the American River in...