He Killed This Innocent Dog Before His Murder Spree
The disturbing pattern serial killers don’t want you to know about—and what it means for your neighborhood.
Before Joseph DeAngelo terrorized California as the Golden State Killer, he committed a crime that should have been a warning sign: he murdered a defenseless German Shepherd with an explosive device. The dog was just doing its job, protecting its home.
What happened next would haunt communities for decades.
The Warning Sign Everyone Missed
In 1960s Rancho Cordova, teenage DeAngelo was already hunting for victims—starting with homes to burglarize. When a German Shepherd confronted him during one break-in attempt, DeAngelo fell and hurt his wrist.
Credit – Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
His response? Pure rage.
He lit an M-80 firecracker and threw it under the dog. The animal exploded and burned to death while DeAngelo’s friend begged him to stop.
“Don’t hurt the dog. It’s just doing its job,” the friend pleaded. DeAngelo couldn’t help himself.
Why Animal Abuse Predicts Human Violence
Sacramento County DA Thien Ho reveals in his new book that DeAngelo’s pattern of animal cruelty wasn’t isolated. “He grew up abusing animals, which isn’t surprising for a serial killer,” Ho told reporters.
Criminologists have long known: animal abuse is the biggest red flag for violent criminals.
Studies show 71% of domestic violence victims report their abusers also targeted pets. Serial killers? Nearly all of them have histories of animal torture.
The Threats That Continued for Decades
Even as an adult, DeAngelo’s hatred for dogs persisted. After his 2018 arrest, neighbors came forward with chilling stories.
One family received this voicemail: “Shut that dog up, or I will bring a load of death to your home.”
The dog was just barking. Doing what dogs do.
What Pet Owners Need to Know Now
Here’s what experts say you should watch for:
- Neighbors who threaten pets over normal behavior (barking, playing)
- Anyone showing extreme, disproportionate anger toward animals
- People who hurt animals “accidentally” but show no remorse
- Patterns of escalating threats or violence toward pets in your area
- Anonymous complaints about pets that seem obsessive or excessive
These aren’t just “animal people” issues. These are human safety issues.
Justice Finally Came, But Too Late
DeAngelo was caught in 2018 through DNA evidence—decades after his crimes began. He pleaded guilty to 13 murders to avoid death penalty.
Today, the 78-year-old works in a prison cafeteria, reportedly terrified of other inmates. He’s in protective housing with child molesters and informants.
But his victims—human and animal—never got their lives back.
The Bottom Line: Trust Your Instincts
That German Shepherd was protecting its family when DeAngelo killed it. The dog knew something was wrong.
Your pets might sense danger before you do. When someone threatens or harms an animal, especially over minor annoyances, it’s not about the pet. It’s about power, control, and a capacity for violence.
If you see or suspect animal abuse, report it. You might be preventing the next tragedy.
What seemingly minor red flags have you witnessed that made you uncomfortable? Trust that instinct—it could save a life.
