38 Facts About Angelo Buono

Early Life and Background

Angelo Buono, one of the most infamous criminals in American history, had a life filled with dark twists and turns. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years.

1. Born on October 5, 1934, in Rochester, New York, Buono moved to California with his mother after his parents divorced.
2. He was raised in Glendale, California, where he developed a reputation as a troublemaker during his teenage years.
3. Buono dropped out of high school and began working various odd jobs, including as a car upholsterer.
4. He had a fascination with cars and often boasted about his skills in customizing and repairing them.
5. His criminal activities started early, with arrests for theft, assault, and other minor offenses.

Criminal Partnership with Kenneth Bianchi

Buono's life took a darker turn when he teamed up with his cousin, Kenneth Bianchi. Together, they became known as the Hillside Stranglers.

6. Buono and Bianchi began their killing spree in late 1977, targeting young women in Los Angeles.
7. They posed as undercover police officers to lure their victims into Buono's car.
8. The duo's first known victim was Yolanda Washington, a 19-year-old prostitute.
9. Over the next few months, they killed at least ten women, leaving their bodies on hillsides around Los Angeles.
10. Their victims ranged in age from 12 to 28, and many were sexually assaulted before being strangled.

Capture and Trial

The capture and trial of Angelo Buono were highly publicized events that shocked the nation. Here are some key facts about this period.

11. Bianchi was arrested first in January 1979 for the murder of two women in Washington state.
12. Under police pressure, Bianchi confessed to the Hillside Strangler murders and implicated Buono.
13. Buono was arrested on October 22, 1979, at his home in Glendale.
14. The trial began in November 1981 and lasted nearly two years, making it one of the longest criminal trials in U.S. history.
15. Bianchi testified against Buono in exchange for a lighter sentence, providing detailed accounts of their crimes.

Conviction and Imprisonment

Buono's conviction and subsequent imprisonment marked the end of his reign of terror. Here are some facts about his life behind bars.

16. On November 6, 1983, Buono was found guilty of nine counts of murder.
17. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
18. Buono was incarcerated at the California State Prison in Corcoran.
19. Despite his heinous crimes, Buono maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment.
20. He spent much of his time in prison working in the prison library and participating in various inmate programs.

Psychological Profile

Understanding Buono's psychological profile provides insight into his motivations and behavior. Here are some key points.

21. Buono was diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse.
22. He exhibited traits of narcissism, often boasting about his intelligence and criminal prowess.
23. Buono had a history of violent behavior, including domestic abuse against his wives and girlfriends.
24. He showed a fascination with power and control, which manifested in his crimes.
25. Psychologists believe that Buono's troubled childhood and dysfunctional family relationships contributed to his criminal behavior.

Impact on Pop Culture

The Hillside Strangler case has left a lasting impact on pop culture, inspiring numerous books, movies, and TV shows. Here are some examples.

26. The case was the subject of the 1989 TV movie "The Case of the Hillside Stranglers."
27. Several true crime books have been written about Buono and Bianchi, including "The Hillside Stranglers" by Darcy O'Brien.
28. The 2004 film "The Hillside Strangler" dramatizes the events of their killing spree.
29. The case has been featured in numerous true crime documentaries and TV series, such as "Forensic Files" and "Criminal Minds."
30. Buono's crimes have also been referenced in popular music, including songs by bands like Slayer and Macabre.

Death and Legacy

Buono's death marked the end of a dark chapter in American criminal history. Here are some facts about his final years and legacy.

31. Angelo Buono died of a heart attack on September 21, 2002, at the age of 67.
32. He passed away at Calipatria State Prison in California.
33. Buono's death brought a sense of closure to the families of his victims, though the scars of his crimes remain.
34. The Hillside Strangler case has been studied extensively by criminologists and psychologists, providing valuable insights into the minds of serial killers.
35. Buono's life and crimes continue to be a subject of fascination and horror, reminding us of the capacity for evil within humanity.

Miscellaneous Facts

Here are some additional facts about Angelo Buono that didn't fit into the previous categories but are still worth noting.

36. Buono was married twice and had several children, though his relationships were tumultuous and marked by abuse.
37. He was known for his charm and charisma, which he used to manipulate and control those around him.
38. Despite his criminal activities, Buono maintained a facade of normalcy, often described by neighbors as a "nice guy."

Angelo Buono's Dark Legacy

Angelo Buono's crimes left a chilling mark on history. Known as one of the "Hillside Stranglers," he, along with his cousin Kenneth Bianchi, terrorized Los Angeles in the late 1970s. Their heinous acts claimed the lives of ten young women, leaving the community in fear and shock. Buono's manipulative and sadistic nature made him a central figure in these brutal murders.

Despite his attempts to evade justice, Buono was eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. His case remains a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Understanding Buono's dark legacy helps us recognize the signs of such dangerous behavior and underscores the need for continued efforts in crime prevention and victim support. His story serves as a grim lesson in the consequences of unchecked evil.