The Golden State Killer – Lessons on Home Security & Awareness By Sensei Liam Musiak

The Golden State Killer, also known as Joseph James DeAngelo, was one of the most notorious predators in modern history. Active in the 1970s and 80s, he broke into homes across California, committing dozens of assaults and murders. For decades he avoided capture, hiding behind the mask of an ordinary man—at one point even working as a police officer.

What made him so dangerous wasn’t just his brutality. It was the way he targeted people where they felt safest: inside their own homes.

How He Operated

Stalking Before the Attack – He would study neighbourhoods, learning routines and picking out vulnerabilities.

Breaking & Entering at Night – Many victims woke up to find him already inside their home, sometimes standing at the end of the bed.

Using Fear as a Weapon – He tied people up, whispered threats, and created psychological terror long before physical violence.

Lessons in Home Security

DeAngelo teaches us a crucial point: self-defence doesn’t start when someone grabs you in the street—it starts with protecting your space.

Here are some key lessons:

Secure Entry Points – Strong locks, window security, and outdoor lighting matter. DeAngelo often exploited weak entry points.

Don’t Ignore Small Signs – Dogs barking, missing items, or open gates can be warning signs. Many victims later realised he had scouted their homes first.

Break the Routine – He relied on predictability. If you leave and return at the same time every day, predators notice.

Community Awareness – Neighbourhood watch isn’t just old-fashioned talk. If someone suspicious is lingering, reporting it could save lives.

Lessons in Awareness

DeAngelo’s career went unchecked for so long because he seemed ordinary. A former cop, a husband, a neighbour. Like Bundy and Gacy, he proves predators don’t walk around with flashing warning signs.

The biggest defence we have is awareness: awareness of our homes, our routines, and our instincts. Your home should be your fortress, not an open door.

The Golden State Killer reminds us that safety isn’t just about fighting skills—it’s about preparation. Secure your space, stay aware, and don’t assume “it won’t happen to me.” Evil doesn’t only lurk in dark alleys. Sometimes, it comes through the back door.