The Hillside Stranglers by Darcy O'Brien: A Chilling Account of Serial Killers
Darcy O'Brien's "The Hillside Stranglers" offers a gripping account of one of America's most notorious serial killer duos. The book delves into the chilling crimes committed by cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono in Los Angeles during the late 1970s. O'Brien's meticulous research and compelling narrative provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the case that terrorized a city and captivated the nation.
O'Brien, an award-winning author known for his true crime works, brings his literary prowess to this dark chapter of criminal history. His intimate knowledge of the case, combined with his skillful storytelling, creates a vivid portrayal of the killers, their victims, and the investigators who worked tirelessly to bring them to justice.
The book not only recounts the gruesome details of the murders but also explores the psychological factors that drove Bianchi and Buono to commit such heinous acts. O'Brien's analysis of their twisted relationship and the societal conditions that allowed their reign of terror to continue offers valuable insights into the nature of evil and the challenges of catching sophisticated criminals.
Background of the Hillside Stranglers
The Hillside Stranglers were a pair of serial killers who terrorized Los Angeles in the late 1970s. Their crimes shocked the public and baffled law enforcement for months before their eventual capture.
Angelo Buono and Kenny Bianchi
Angelo Buono was born in Rochester, New York, in 1934. He moved to Los Angeles as a teenager and developed a reputation as a violent misogynist. Buono worked as an auto upholsterer and had a history of abusing women.
Kenny Bianchi, Buono's younger cousin, was born in Rochester in 1951. He struggled with mental health issues and had a tendency to lie and manipulate others. Bianchi moved to Los Angeles in 1976 to live with Buono.
Both men had troubled pasts and a shared hatred of women. This toxic combination would prove deadly when they joined forces.
The Formation of a Deadly Duo
Buono and Bianchi began their killing spree in October 1977. They posed as police officers to lure young women into their car. The cousins would then rape, torture, and murder their victims before dumping the bodies on hillsides around Los Angeles.
Their partnership was based on a shared desire for power and control over women. Buono, the dominant personality, took the lead in most of the killings. Bianchi was eager to impress his older cousin and participate in the crimes.
The pair committed at least 10 murders over a four-month period. Their victims ranged in age from 12 to 28 and included sex workers, students, and young professionals.
The Reign of Terror
The Hillside Stranglers' brutal crimes terrorized Los Angeles from October 1977 to February 1978. Their victims were young women, sexually assaulted and murdered in increasingly horrific ways.
Los Angeles, the City of Fear
Los Angeles was gripped by panic during the Hillside Stranglers' killing spree. Women avoided going out alone, especially at night. The killers struck in various neighborhoods, leaving bodies on hillsides visible from busy roads. This brazen disregard heightened public anxiety.
Police struggled to connect the dots between murders. The varied victim profiles and murder locations initially masked the pattern. As the body count rose, media coverage intensified. Residents grew frustrated with the lack of progress in catching the killers.
The atmosphere of terror took an economic toll. Nightlife suffered as people stayed home. Some residents left the city altogether, fearing they could be next.
Profile of the Victims
The Hillside Stranglers targeted young women between 12 and 28 years old. Their victims came from diverse backgrounds:
Students
Sex workers
Waitresses
Aspiring actresses
Most victims were abducted from public places like bus stops or outside their homes. The killers often posed as police officers to gain trust.
The women were sexually violated and subjected to extreme torture before being strangled. Bodies were dumped in highly visible locations, seemingly to taunt law enforcement.
As the murders continued, the level of violence escalated. Later victims showed signs of extreme physical and sexual abuse. This growing brutality horrified investigators and the public alike.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation into the Hillside Strangler murders spanned over a year and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Key evidence and investigative breakthroughs ultimately led to the capture of cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono.
Key Evidence
DNA analysis and fiber evidence linked several victims to the killers. Investigators found carpet fibers on multiple bodies that matched those in Buono's upholstery shop. Tire tracks at crime scenes were matched to vehicles owned by the suspects.
Eyewitness accounts provided crucial leads. A surviving victim identified Bianchi as her attacker. Other witnesses reported seeing the cousins with victims shortly before their disappearances.
Phone records showed calls between Bianchi and Buono coinciding with abductions. Bank records revealed suspicious cash deposits after ransoms were paid.
The Capture of Bianchi and Buono
Bianchi was arrested in January 1979 for murdering two women in Washington state. Under interrogation, he implicated Buono in the California killings. Buono was arrested soon after based on Bianchi's testimony.
A search of Buono's home uncovered jewelry belonging to victims. Police also found tools used in the murders and polaroid photos of victims. Bianchi agreed to testify against Buono in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.
The trial lasted two years, becoming the longest criminal proceeding in California history at that time. In 1983, both men were convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The Theories of Crime
Psychological factors and mental health disorders played a significant role in understanding the Hillside Stranglers case. Experts examined various theories to explain the motivations and behaviors of the perpetrators.
Psychological Analysis
The psychological analysis of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono revealed complex personality traits and disturbing patterns. Experts identified antisocial personality disorder as a key factor in their criminal behavior. This disorder is characterized by a lack of empathy, disregard for social norms, and manipulative tendencies.
Childhood trauma and dysfunctional family backgrounds were also explored as contributing factors. Both Bianchi and Buono had troubled upbringings, which may have influenced their violent tendencies.
Psychologists examined the power dynamics between the two cousins, noting Buono's dominant role and Bianchi's apparent eagerness to please him. This relationship dynamic likely fueled their escalating criminal activities.
Multiple Personality Disorder Debate
The defense team introduced multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder) as a possible explanation for Bianchi's actions. This controversial claim became a central focus in the criminal court proceedings.
Bianchi initially claimed to have an alter ego named "Steve Walker" who committed the crimes. Some mental health professionals supported this diagnosis, while others were skeptical.
The prosecution argued that Bianchi was faking the disorder to avoid responsibility. They presented evidence of his prior knowledge about multiple personality disorder and his ability to manipulate psychological tests.
Ultimately, the court rejected the multiple personality disorder defense. This decision had significant implications for the case outcome and highlighted the challenges in using mental health diagnoses in criminal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings
The Hillside Stranglers case resulted in complex legal proceedings spanning multiple trials. The criminal court cases against Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono Jr. captivated public attention and presented unique challenges for prosecutors.
The Trials
Kenneth Bianchi pleaded guilty to five murders in Washington state in 1979. He initially agreed to testify against Buono in exchange for a lighter sentence. However, Bianchi later recanted his confession, claiming multiple personality disorder.
The trial against Angelo Buono began in November 1981. It became the longest criminal proceeding in California history, lasting over two years. Prosecutors faced difficulties due to lack of physical evidence and Bianchi's unreliability as a witness.
Despite these challenges, the jury found Buono guilty on nine counts of murder in November 1983. The prosecution successfully argued that Buono and Bianchi worked together as the Hillside Stranglers.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Kenneth Bianchi received six life sentences for his crimes in Washington and California. He remains incarcerated at Washington State Penitentiary.
Angelo Buono was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He served his sentence at Calipatria State Prison until his death in 2002.
The trials highlighted issues in the criminal justice system, including the use of plea bargains and the challenges of prosecuting serial killers. The case also led to increased scrutiny of how law enforcement handled missing persons reports and investigated crimes against sex workers.
Media and Cultural Impact
The Hillside Stranglers case left an indelible mark on American true crime literature and popular culture. It sparked intense media coverage and inspired numerous books, documentaries, and fictional works.
The Hillside Stranglers in Literature
Darcy O'Brien's "The Hillside Stranglers" stands out as a seminal work on the case. Published in 1985, the book provided a detailed account of the murders and subsequent investigation. O'Brien's writing style drew comparisons to Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood," a pioneering work of the true crime genre.
The book's success paved the way for other literary explorations of the case. It influenced how serial killer narratives were presented to the public, balancing factual reporting with compelling storytelling.
True Crime Narratives
The Hillside Stranglers case contributed to the evolution of true crime literature in the late 20th century. It followed in the footsteps of works like Norman Mailer's "The Executioner's Song," which had set new standards for the genre.
O'Brien's approach to the subject matter helped shape public understanding of serial killers. His book provided insights into the psychology of the perpetrators and the impact of their crimes on the community.
The case's prominence in true crime literature reflects its significance in American criminal history. It continues to be referenced in discussions of serial killers and law enforcement practices of the 1970s.
Concluding Thoughts
Darcy O'Brien's "The Hillside Stranglers" offers a gripping account of one of America's most notorious killing sprees. The author's meticulous research and compelling narrative bring the chilling events to life.
O'Brien's exploration of the psychological aspects behind the crimes provides valuable insights into the minds of serial killers. His analysis of the relationship between Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi adds depth to the narrative.
The book's strengths lie in its attention to detail and comprehensive coverage of the investigation and trials. O'Brien's skill in weaving together court transcripts, interviews, and police reports creates a vivid portrayal of the events.
Some readers may find the graphic descriptions of the crimes disturbing. However, these details contribute to a fuller understanding of the case's impact on the victims, their families, and the community.
"The Hillside Stranglers" serves as both a true crime account and a cautionary tale. It highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in solving complex cases.
O'Brien's work remains a significant contribution to the true crime genre. Its thorough examination of the Hillside Stranglers case continues to educate and inform readers about this dark chapter in criminal history.
