How Cold Case Investigator Paul Holes Unmasked The Golden State Killer

How Cold Case Investigator Paul Holes Unmasked The Golden State Killer

Author: Robert Riggs April 25, 2022 Duration: 54:55

Cold case investigator Paul Holes played a major role in ending a decades-long reign of terror by The Golden State Killer.

First known as The East Area Rapist, a masked psychological sadist assaulted 50 women in Northern California between 1976 and 1979.

He progressed from burglaries to vicious sexual assaults in the middle of the night to bludgeoning his victims to death.

Along the way, he called 911 to taunt the police.

Suddenly it seemed he had disappeared.

But he had moved to a new hunting ground in Southern California, where he murdered 13 people and became known as the Original Night Stalker. 

And then in 1986, it stopped.

In 2011, DNA testing revealed that the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker were one in the same man.

True crime writer Michelle McNamara gave the elusive criminal the “Golden State Killer.” 

McNamara, the wife of comedian/actor Patton Oswalt, became obsessed with the long-abandoned cold case for six years, focusing attention on it until her untimely death.

Enter investigator Paul Holes.  Holes talked with Robert about his newly released book, Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases.

They discuss the “Golden State Killer”, notorious cases in Texas, and breakthroughs in forensic genealogy. 


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Robert Riggs has spent decades as an investigative reporter, and in True Crime Reporter, he applies that relentless, document-driven approach to the stories that haunt us. This isn't just a retelling of grim headlines; it's a meticulous walk through active case files, historical injustices, and the societal undercurrents that allow crime to flourish. Each episode feels like you're sitting across from Riggs as he lays out his notes, connecting dots between evidence, witness accounts, and the often-overlooked details that change a narrative. You'll hear the tension in the pursuit of truth, the weight of unresolved questions, and the quiet impact on communities and families left in the wake of violence. The podcast moves beyond the sensational to examine the cultural and systemic factors at play, offering a sober, deeply researched perspective. Listen for long-form narratives that build like a detective's board, where every piece of audio, every interview, and every document serves a purpose. It’s for those who want to understand the 'why' and the 'how' as much as the 'who,' presented with the clarity and authority of a seasoned journalist who knows the terrain. This is a journey into real stories, handled with the care they demand, and it naturally becomes an essential listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of human behavior, justice, and the news.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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