Janelle Lisa Cruz (July 11, 1967 - May 5, 1986) was an 18-year-old American woman. She was the youngest and last (known) murder victim of the Golden State Killer (Joseph James DeAngelo).
Backstory[]
Having recently graduated from high school, Janelle lived at her family home with her parents. At the time of her death, her family were on vacation in Mexico.
Events[]
On Sunday night, May 4, 1986, Janelle Cruz was entertaining a male friend at her home. While sitting in Janelle’s bedroom, they heard a noise outside on the east side of the house. It sounded like the gate closing or the door in the garage shutting. She looked out. Nothing. This was getting frustrating. Earlier they had heard noises and Janelle had looked out and had seen nothing. Both looked now, but still it seemed there was nobody out there.
About 10:45 p.m. her friend left. Janelle must have gone out to get some things. This is evident, for her neighbour heard her return in her car at 11:15 p.m. Janelle had an unfortunate habit of leaving doors unlocked. The intruder must have surprised her in the kitchen and hit her on the forehead. An old bath towel was used as a gag and Janelle's wrists were bound.
Janelle's house was for sale. A real estate agent came by at 5 p.m., Monday the 5th. She found Janelle inside dead. The murder weapon was not found, however, a pipe wrench kept in the backyard was missing.
Aftermath[]
The case remained unsolved for decades. On April 24, 2018 Joseph DeAngelo was arrested for several crimes, including the murder of Janelle Cruz. In August 2020, DeAngelo was sentenced to 12 life sentences plus 8 years without the possibility of parole. He is incarcerated in protective custody at California State Prison, Corcoran.