Hillside Stranglers Buono and Bianchi: One Dead, One Alive
Updated Status of Notorious Serial Killers
Angelo Buono Jr. and Kenneth Bianchi, infamously known as the Hillside Stranglers, terrorized Los Angeles in the late 1970s with a series of brutal murders. Their reign of terror lasted from 1977 to 1978, claiming the lives of at least 10 young women. The cousins subjected their victims to horrific torture before ultimately strangling them to death.
Angelo Buono Jr. died in prison on September 21, 2002, at the age of 67, while Kenneth Bianchi remains incarcerated at Washington State Penitentiary. Buono's death marked the end of an era for one of the most notorious serial killer duos in American history. Their crimes shocked the nation and left a lasting impact on the city of Los Angeles.
Bianchi, now in his 70s, continues to serve multiple life sentences for his role in the murders. The contrast between the fates of these two men - one deceased, one still alive - serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of their horrific acts. Their story remains a chilling chapter in the annals of true crime, captivating and disturbing readers decades after their capture.
Background of the Hillside Stranglers
Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi, known as the Hillside Stranglers, terrorized Los Angeles in the late 1970s. Their criminal partnership stemmed from a troubled family history and a shared propensity for violence.
Early Lives of Buono and Bianchi
Angelo Buono Jr. was born in Rochester, New York, in 1934. He moved to California as a teenager and developed a reputation for aggressive behavior. Buono married several times and fathered numerous children.
Kenneth Bianchi, born in 1951, was adopted as an infant in Rochester. He struggled with behavioral issues and compulsive lying from a young age. Bianchi moved to Los Angeles in 1975 to live with his older cousin, Angelo Buono.
Both men had histories of petty crime and violence against women before their infamous killing spree began.
Formation of the Strangler Duo
Buono and Bianchi's criminal partnership formed in Los Angeles in 1977. They initially worked together as pimps, but their activities soon escalated to kidnapping, rape, and murder.
The cousins used their charm and false promises of modeling or acting jobs to lure young women into their car. They then took their victims to Buono's auto upholstery shop in Glendale, where the assaults and murders took place.
Their first known victim was Yolanda Washington, killed in October 1977. Over the next four months, they murdered at least nine more women, dumping the bodies on hillsides around Los Angeles.
The Murder Spree
The Hillside Stranglers' killing spree terrorized Los Angeles from October 1977 to February 1978. Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono targeted young women and girls, employing brutal methods of rape, torture, and strangulation.
First Known Victims
The cousins' first confirmed victims were Yolanda Washington and Judith Miller. Washington, a 19-year-old sex worker, was found on October 17, 1977, near the Hollywood Hills. Miller, 15, was discovered on November 1 in La Crescenta.
Both bodies showed signs of strangulation and sexual assault. The killers' pattern began to emerge, targeting vulnerable young women in the Los Angeles area.
Modus Operandi
Bianchi and Buono posed as police officers to lure victims. They used fake badges and a car modified to resemble an unmarked police vehicle. This tactic allowed them to easily approach and abduct women, particularly those involved in sex work.
The duo would then take their victims to Buono's upholstery shop. There, they subjected the women to horrific acts of sexual violence and torture before strangling them.
Escalation and Brutality
As their killing spree continued, the Hillside Stranglers became increasingly brutal. They expanded their victim pool beyond sex workers to include young women from various backgrounds.
Notable victims included:
Dolores Cepeda and Sonja Johnson, two schoolgirls aged 12 and 14
Kristina Weckler, a 20-year-old honor student
Evelyn Jane King, a 28-year-old actress
The killers employed sadistic methods, including electric shocks and injections of caustic substances. They often posed their victims' bodies in degrading positions before dumping them on hillsides around Los Angeles.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into the Hillside Stranglers case spanned several months and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Police faced numerous challenges before finally making a breakthrough that led to the arrest of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono.
Initial Clues and Challenges
The LAPD struggled to connect the dots in the early stages of the investigation. Bodies of young women were found in the hills around Los Angeles, but evidence was scarce. Investigators worked tirelessly to identify victims and gather clues.
Police interviewed witnesses and potential suspects, but leads often went cold. The killers' method of dumping bodies in different locations made it difficult to establish a clear pattern.
Breakthrough in the Case
The turning point came in January 1979 when Kenneth Bianchi was arrested in Bellingham, Washington. He had moved there after the Los Angeles murders and killed two more women.
Bellingham Police Department detectives noticed similarities between their cases and the Hillside Strangler murders. They contacted the LAPD, leading to a joint investigation.
Bianchi eventually confessed and implicated his cousin, Angelo Buono. This information allowed police to build a strong case against both men.
The Role of Forensic Evidence
Forensic evidence played a crucial role in linking Bianchi and Buono to the crimes. Investigators collected fibers, hair samples, and other physical evidence from crime scenes and victims' bodies.
DNA testing was not available at the time, but other forensic techniques helped strengthen the case. Tire tracks, shoe prints, and handwriting analysis all contributed to the evidence against the killers.
Experts also examined psychological profiles of the suspects, considering their childhood experiences and potential motivations for the crimes.
Legal Proceedings
The legal proceedings against Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi were complex and high-profile. Their trial captured public attention due to the brutal nature of their crimes and the extensive evidence presented.
Trial of the Hillside Stranglers
The trial began in November 1981 and lasted for two years. Prosecutors presented a mountain of physical evidence, including DNA samples, fibers, and other forensic materials linking Buono and Bianchi to the murders.
Key witnesses included Bianchi's girlfriend and several survivors who narrowly escaped the killers. The prosecution's case was bolstered by Bianchi's decision to testify against Buono in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.
Jurors heard graphic testimony about the torture and sexual abuse inflicted on the victims. The trial's length and disturbing details took an emotional toll on all involved.
Defense Strategies
Buono's defense team attempted to discredit Bianchi's testimony, portraying him as an unreliable witness motivated by self-interest. They argued that Bianchi was the sole perpetrator and Buono had been wrongly implicated.
The defense also pursued an insanity plea for Buono, claiming he suffered from mental illness that impaired his judgment. This strategy proved unsuccessful as psychiatric evaluations failed to support the claim.
Bianchi's lawyers initially attempted an insanity defense as well, but abandoned it after experts determined he was faking symptoms of multiple personality disorder.
Sentencing and Appeals
In November 1983, Angelo Buono was convicted on nine counts of murder. The jury recommended the death penalty, but the judge sentenced him to life imprisonment without possibility of parole.
Kenneth Bianchi pleaded guilty to five murders in California and two in Washington state. He received six life sentences plus an additional 75 years.
Both men filed multiple appeals over the years, all of which were rejected. Buono died in prison in 2002 of natural causes at age 67. Bianchi remains incarcerated in Washington State Penitentiary as of 2024.
Individual Outcomes
The Hillside Stranglers met different fates after their capture and conviction. Angelo Buono Jr. died in prison, while Kenneth Bianchi remains incarcerated with unsuccessful parole attempts.
Angelo Buono's Death
Angelo Buono Jr. served his life sentence at Calipatria State Prison in California. On September 21, 2002, at the age of 67, Buono died of a heart attack while imprisoned. His death came 24 years after his arrest for the Hillside Strangler murders.
Buono never admitted guilt for his crimes. He spent his final years in maximum security, isolated from the general prison population due to the notoriety of his case.
Kenneth Bianchi's Incarceration and Parole Attempts
Kenneth Bianchi continues to serve his life sentence at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. He was convicted for his role in the Hillside Strangler murders as well as two additional murders in Washington state.
Bianchi has made multiple attempts to gain parole. His most recent request in 2010 was denied. The parole board cited the heinous nature of his crimes and lack of remorse as reasons for rejection.
He remains a high-profile inmate, closely monitored by prison staff. Bianchi's next parole hearing date has not been publicly announced.
Psychological Profile
The psychological profiles of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono reveal complex mental issues and personality disorders that contributed to their violent crimes. Their evaluations provide insight into the disturbed minds behind the Hillside Strangler murders.
Bianchi's Psychological Evaluations
Kenneth Bianchi underwent extensive psychological testing after his arrest. Evaluations indicated he suffered from Antisocial Personality Disorder and displayed traits of psychopathy. Some experts initially diagnosed him with Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder.
Bianchi claimed to have an alter ego named "Steve" who committed the murders. This diagnosis was later disputed as a deliberate deception attempt. Psychologists noted Bianchi's manipulative behavior and pathological lying tendencies.
Tests revealed Bianchi had above-average intelligence but lacked empathy. He exhibited narcissistic traits and a need for attention and dominance over others.
Buono's Psychological Traits
Angelo Buono did not undergo as thorough psychological evaluation as his cousin. However, his behavior and crimes indicated severe psychopathic tendencies.
Buono displayed a complete lack of remorse for his victims. He was described as callous, violent, and misogynistic by those who knew him. His actions during the murders demonstrated extreme sadism and a desire for control.
Psychologists noted Buono's aggressive and domineering personality. He likely suffered from Antisocial Personality Disorder with sadistic features. Buono's upbringing in an abusive household may have contributed to his violent tendencies.
Some experts suggested Buono exhibited traits of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder in his interpersonal relationships. This manifested as sullen behavior and indirect expressions of hostility.
Impact on Society and Media
The Hillside Stranglers case profoundly affected Los Angeles residents and captured widespread media attention. Public anxiety soared as the murders unfolded, while television and documentaries later chronicled the investigation and trial.
Public Fear and Reaction
Los Angeles was gripped by fear during the Hillside Stranglers' killing spree. Women were especially cautious, altering their routines and taking extra safety precautions. Many purchased guard dogs and self-defense weapons.
The case drew comparisons to other notorious California serial killers, like the Night Stalker Richard Ramirez. This heightened the sense of vulnerability among residents.
Law enforcement faced intense pressure to solve the crimes. The prolonged investigation and high victim count fueled public frustration and criticism of police efforts.
Representation in Television and Documentaries
The Hillside Stranglers case has been featured in numerous TV movies and documentaries. These productions often focus on the shocking nature of the crimes and the cousins' psychology.
A 1989 TV movie starring Richard Crenna brought the case to a wider audience. More recent documentaries have re-examined the murders, trial, and lasting impact on survivors and victims' families.
These media portrayals have kept the case in the public consciousness decades after the crimes occurred. They continue to shape perceptions of the Hillside Stranglers and their place in true crime history.
Comparisons to Other Serial Killers
The Hillside Stranglers' crimes shared similarities with other notorious serial killers, but also had distinct characteristics. Their methods and motives differed from those of the Night Stalker and Charles Manson in key ways.
The Hillside Stranglers vs. The Night Stalker
Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi targeted young women, while Richard Ramirez (the Night Stalker) attacked a broader range of victims. The Hillside Stranglers operated as a duo, carefully selecting their targets. Ramirez acted alone and chose victims randomly.
Buono and Bianchi's crimes occurred between 1977-1978, while Ramirez terrorized California in 1984-1985. The Hillside Stranglers used strangulation as their primary method. Ramirez employed various weapons and techniques.
Both cases sparked widespread fear in Los Angeles. The Hillside Stranglers' victims were found in the hills, while Ramirez attacked people in their homes.
Notable Differences with Charles Manson
Charles Manson led a cult, unlike Buono and Bianchi who worked as a pair. Manson manipulated others to commit murders, while the Hillside Stranglers carried out their crimes personally.
Manson's followers killed seven people in 1969, including actress Sharon Tate. The Hillside Stranglers murdered ten women over a longer period. Manson's crimes had apparent ideological motivations. Buono and Bianchi seemed driven by sexual sadism.
The Hillside Stranglers' victims were primarily sex workers and young women. Manson's targets were more diverse, including wealthy homeowners and acquaintances.
