Between 1973 and 1986, entire neighbourhoods in California often went to bed thinking about one man. His crimes earned him many names: the Cordova Cat Burglar, the East Area Rapist and of course, the Golden State Killer. For years, he broke into hundreds of homes, sexually assaulting more than 45 women and murdering 13 people, before disappearing into the night. 

This week on Crime Story, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Paige St. John reveals why it took more than 40 years for victims of the Golden State Killer to learn his true identity.

Note: This episode contains details of sexual violence.

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