Notorious serial killer and rapist who terrorized California in the 1960s and 1970s, abducting and murdering numerous young women, earning the nickname "The Hillside Strangler."
Angelo Buono, also known as the "Hillside Strangler," is a notorious American serial killer who terrorized Los Angeles in the late 1970s. Along with his cousin, Kenneth Bianchi, Buono kidnapped, tortured, and murdered numerous young women, leaving a trail of horror and devastation in his wake.
Buono's killing spree began in 1977 and continued until his arrest in 1979. During this period, he and Bianchi abducted, raped, and murdered at least 10 young women, dumping their bodies on hillsides in Los Angeles. Their victims included students, hitchhikers, and sex workers, often targeting those who were vulnerable or easy prey.
The investigation into the Hillside Stranglings was one of the largest and most complex in Los Angeles history. Buono and Bianchi were eventually caught after a lengthy investigation, which involved forensic analysis, eyewitness testimony, and clever detective work. During the trial, Buono's lawyers attempted to portray him as a victim of Bianchi's coercion, but the evidence against him was overwhelming. In 1983, Buono was convicted of nine counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Psychologists and criminologists have studied Buono's motivations and behavior, seeking to understand what drove him to commit such heinous crimes. Some have suggested that Buono's troubled childhood, marked by neglect and abuse, contributed to his antisocial and sadistic tendencies. Others have pointed to his obsessive need for control and dominance, which he exercised through his partnership with Bianchi.
Buono's crimes had a profound impact on the city of Los Angeles and the broader public. The Hillside Stranglings exacerbated fears about public safety and the vulnerability of young women. The case also raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the justice system, as well as the psychological and social factors that contribute to violent criminal behavior.
Buono's personal life was marked by turmoil and instability. He was married twice and had two children, but his relationships were often tumultuous and marred by violence. His partnership with Bianchi was particularly complex, with some experts suggesting that the two men engaged in a twisted game of cat and mouse, feeding off each other's twisted desires.
Buono's case has been the subject of much controversy and criticism, with some arguing that his lawyers' defense strategies were overly aggressive and manipulative. Others have criticized the media's sensationalistic coverage of the case, which they claim perpetuated a culture of fear and voyeurism.
The Hillside Stranglings have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, including the 1989 film "The Case of the Hillside Stranglers" and the 2001 TV movie "The Hillside Stranglers." Buono's crimes have also inspired fictional works, such as the novel "The Strangler" by Stephen Booth.
In conclusion, Angelo Buono's dark legacy serves as a reminder of the horrors that humanity is capable of inflicting upon itself. His crimes will forever be etched in the public consciousness, a testament to the destructive power of evil and the importance of justice and accountability.
75 Years Old
Notorious serial killer and rapist known for his brutal crimes, including the Hillside Strangler case, which terrorized Los Angeles in the 1970s.
66 Years Old
Notorious serial killer and sex offender who terrorized California in the 1980s, committing heinous crimes that shocked the nation. Known for his brutal and satanic rituals.
79 Years Old
Notorious serial killer who confessed to 30 murders, mostly of young women, during the 1970s, known for his charismatic persona and evasion of capture for years.
84 Years Old
Notorious serial killer and rapist who terrorized Chicago in the 1970s, murdering at least 33 young men and boys, often targeting vulnerable individuals.
73 Years Old
Notorious serial killer and arsonist who terrorized New York City in the 1970s, killing six people and injuring seven others, earning the nickname "Son of Sam."
81 Years Old
A notorious serial killer who led a double life as a church leader and family man, known for murdering 10 people in Kansas between 1974 and 1991.
66 Years Old
Notorious serial killer who committed heinous murders and engaged in necrophilia and cannibalism, shocking the nation with his depraved crimes.
Born in 1906
Notorious American serial killer and body snatcher who robbed graves and made clothing and furniture from human skin, inspiring numerous horror movies and books.
