35 Facts About Hillside Strangler

The Hillside Strangler Case: A Notorious Chapter in True Crime

The Hillside Strangler case is one of the most infamous serial killer cases in American history. It involved the brutal murders of 10 women in Los Angeles between October 1977 and February 1978. What made this case particularly chilling was the fact that it involved two perpetrators, cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono, who used a ruse of pretending to be police officers to lure their victims to their deaths. Here are 35 key facts about the Hillside Strangler case.

1. Name and Notoriety: The case is known as the Hillside Strangler due to the manner in which the victims' bodies were found, dumped on hillsides in various locations around Los Angeles.

2. Timeline: The killings took place between October 1977 and February 1978, with the first victim being identified in October 1977.

3. Victims: The victims were all young women, ranging in age from 12 to 28, with some being prostitutes and others not.

4. Modus Operandi: The killers would often pretend to be police officers, flashing fake badges to lure their victims into their car. Once in the car, the victims were taken to Angelo Buono's upholstery shop where they were killed and their bodies disposed of.

The Victims and Their Tragic Fates

The victims of the Hillside Stranglers were all young women, each with their own unique story. Their tragic fates serve as a reminder of the brutality and terror inflicted by Bianchi and Buono.

5. First Victim: Yolanda Washington was found naked on a hillside near the Ventura Freeway on October 18, 1977. She had been violently raped and her body had been washed clean to remove evidence.

6. Second Victim: Judith "Judy" Miller was found on November 1, 1977, on Alta Terrace Drive. Her body showed signs of ligature marks around her neck, wrists, and ankles, and a small piece of light-colored fluff was found on her eyelid, which later linked to the killer's blindfold.

7. Third Victim: Elissa "Lissa" Kastin was discovered near the Chevy Chase Country Club in Glendale on November 6, 1977. Like the first two victims, she had been bound and strangled.

8. Additional Victims: Between November 1977 and February 1978, the bodies of seven more young female victims were found on hillsides. These included Dolly Cepeda, Sonja Johnson, Kristina Weckler, Evelyn King, Lauren Wagner, Kimberly Martin, and Cindy Lee Hudspeth.

The Investigation and Breakthroughs

The investigation into the Hillside Strangler case was challenging and complex. However, through diligent police work and forensic science, crucial breakthroughs were made.

9. Investigation: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) quickly realized they were dealing with two serial killers rather than one. They searched for a two-toned sedan, a type of vehicle last seen around several of the female victims.

10. Forensic Evidence: Forensic scientists linked a small piece of light-colored fluff found on Judith Miller's eyelid to the killer's blindfold. Additionally, rabbit hairs found on one of the victims were traced back to the killers.

11. Arrests: Kenneth Bianchi and his cousin Angelo Buono were arrested in January 1979. Several items belonging to the victims, including a necklace and a ring, were found inside Bianchi and Buono’s residence.

The Trials and Convictions

The legal proceedings for the Hillside Strangler case were lengthy and complex. Both Bianchi and Buono faced trials, with differing outcomes.

12. Kenneth Bianchi: Pled guilty to the murders and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

13. Angelo Buono: Pleaded not guilty to the murders and his case went to trial in 1981. His trial became the longest-running criminal trial in California history. He was eventually found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Psychological Analysis and Backgrounds

Understanding the psychological profiles and backgrounds of the perpetrators provides insight into their heinous actions.

14. Dissociative Identity Disorder: Kenneth Bianchi was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder. However, this diagnosis was later disputed as Bianchi was found to be a master manipulator and compulsive liar who had faked his hypnosis.

15. Kenneth Bianchi's Background: Born on May 22, 1951, in Rochester, New York. His mother was 17 at the time of his birth and was addicted to alcohol and a prostitute. He was adopted by the Bianchi family at eight months old.

16. Angelo Buono's Background: Born on October 5, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. He had a troubled past and was known to be strange and withdrawn.

17. Adoption Theory: There is a theory that adoption may contribute to the behavior of serial killers, although it is not conclusively proven. Bianchi and other notable serial killers like Ted Bundy, Joel Rifkin, David Berkowitz, and Aileen Wuornos were all adopted.

18. Compulsive Liar: Bianchi was described as a compulsive liar from a young age. His mother, Frances, noted this behavior when he was just two years old.

19. Hypnosis Defense: Bianchi attempted to use an insanity defense based on hypnosis, claiming that a separate personality committed the murders. However, this defense was later discredited as he was found to be faking his hypnosis.

The Impact on Los Angeles and Beyond

The Hillside Strangler case had a profound impact on Los Angeles and the broader cultural landscape. It highlighted the importance of forensic science and thorough investigations in solving such crimes.

20. Rape and Torture: The Hillside Stranglers not only murdered their victims but also raped and tortured them before killing them. This added a layer of brutality to the crimes.

21. Fake Police Badges: The killers used fake police badges to lure their victims into their car. This ruse was used for most of their murders.

22. Angelo Buono's Shop: The killers took their victims to Angelo Buono's upholstery shop, where they were killed and their bodies disposed of.

23. Investigative Challenges: The investigation was challenging due to the lack of physical evidence and the fact that the killers were using a ruse that made it difficult for victims to suspect anything until it was too late.

24. Public Fear: The Hillside Strangler case created widespread fear among women in Los Angeles. Many took precautions to avoid being targeted, such as joining call girl agencies hoping for safety.

25. Media Coverage: The case received extensive media coverage, with local news clips featuring reporters covering the latest developments in the Hillside Strangler slayings.

Documentaries and Cultural References

The Hillside Strangler case has been the subject of various documentaries and cultural references, highlighting its lasting impact on society.

26. Documentary Series: A four-part true crime docuseries titled "The Hillside Strangler: Devil in Disguise" premiered on Peacock in 2022, focusing on the case and its impact on Los Angeles during that period.

27. Netflix Series: Netflix also produced a docuseries titled "Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer," which captures a similar time and place of serial killer activity in Los Angeles but focuses on Richard Ramirez rather than the Hillside Stranglers.

28. Psychological Impact: The case highlighted concerns over dissociative identity disorder and the manipulation of mental health diagnoses for criminal purposes. It also raised questions about the psychological factors that contribute to such heinous crimes.

Legal Proceedings and Their Significance

The legal proceedings for the Hillside Strangler case were significant in many ways, setting precedents and highlighting the importance of thorough investigations.

29. Kenneth Bianchi's Plea: Pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

30. Angelo Buono's Trial: Went to trial and was found guilty, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

31. Longest-Running Trial: Angelo Buono's trial became the longest-running criminal trial in California history, lasting several years before he was convicted.

The Legacy of the Hillside Strangler Case

The Hillside Strangler case remains one of the most infamous serial killer cases in American history, serving as a reminder of the darkest aspects of human nature and the importance of thorough investigations and forensic science in solving such crimes.

32. Impact on Los Angeles: The Hillside Strangler case contributed to Los Angeles' reputation as a city plagued by serial killers in the 1970s and 1980s. This period saw numerous high-profile serial killer cases, earning Los Angeles the nickname "Serial Killer Capital of America".

33. Cultural Significance: The Hillside Strangler case has been referenced in various cultural works, including music and literature. For example, it was mentioned in a Vanity Fair article about Hollywood's punk rock revolution and its intersection with true crime stories.

34. Remembering the Victims: The victims of the Hillside Stranglers are remembered for their tragic fates. Each victim had a unique story, from Yolanda Washington to Cindy Lee Hudspeth, and their memories serve as a reminder of the brutality and terror inflicted by Bianchi and Buono.

35. Forensic Evidence: Forensic scientists played a crucial role in solving the case by linking physical evidence such as light-colored fluff and rabbit hairs to the killers. These findings were instrumental in securing convictions.

The Legacy of the Hillside Strangler

The Hillside Strangler case remains one of the darkest chapters in American crime history. Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono terrorized Los Angeles, leaving a trail of fear and tragedy. Their brutal methods and cunning tactics, like posing as police officers, shocked the nation. The case highlighted the importance of forensic science and thorough investigations in solving such heinous crimes. It also raised awareness about the psychological factors that can drive individuals to commit such acts. The victims, ranging from 12 to 28 years old, are remembered for their tragic fates and serve as a somber reminder of the brutality inflicted by these killers. The Hillside Strangler case continues to be a chilling example of the depths of human depravity and the relentless pursuit of justice.