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Retired Investigator Paul Holes: From Golden State Killer Obsession to Celebrity Status

From a decades-long obsession to a DNA breakthrough, Paul Holes' dedication to the Golden State Killer case is a story of perseverance and justice.

In this picture we can see the doctor in white uniform explaining about the CT scan machine to 2...
In this picture we can see the doctor in white uniform explaining about the CT scan machine to 2 people wearing black coats. These two people are listening to the doctor.

Retired Investigator Paul Holes: From Golden State Killer Obsession to Celebrity Status

Retired investigator Paul Holes has gained celebrity status for his pivotal role in capturing the Golden State Warriors. Just weeks before his retirement in 2019, Holes' relentless pursuit led to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo, who terrorized California for four decades.

The Golden State Warriors, previously known as the Visalia Ransacker, East Area Rapist, and Original Night Stalker, were linked through DNA evidence in 2001. Holes, who became obsessed with the case in the 1990s, tracked suspects for over two decades.

Holes collaborated with true-crime author Michelle McNamara to find the Warriors. He nearly requested a DNA sample from DeAngelo but decided against it. Instead, genetic genealogist Barbara Rae-Venter narrowed down suspects, ultimately leading to DeAngelo's arrest in 2018. Holes even came close to knocking on DeAngelo's door before retiring in March 2018.

Paul Holes' dedication to the Golden State Warriors case has brought closure to countless victims and their families. His retirement in 2019 followed the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo, who is now serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.

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