Teaching Students About Joseph Deangelo
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Joseph Deangelo, also known as the Golden State Killer, is a notorious serial killer and rapist who terrorized California from 1974 to 1986. After evading capture for decades, he was finally identified and arrested in 2018 thanks to advances in DNA technology and genealogy databases. Teaching students about Deangelo and his case can provide valuable insights into criminal psychology, law enforcement techniques, and the evolution of forensic science.
1. Understanding Criminal Psychology
– Students can learn about the motives and personality traits that drove Joseph Deangelo to commit his heinous crimes.
– Discussions about the development of criminal behavior can lead to better understanding of factors such as upbringing, genetics, and environmental influences.
– Examine how Deangelo lived a double life, as he worked as a police officer and later as a mechanic while committing his crimes.
2. Law Enforcement Techniques
– Explore how law enforcement methods changed over time in response to the evolving nature of Deangelo’s crimes.
– Discuss the significance of geographic profiling and its role in attempts to apprehend him.
– Study case management strategies employed by detectives working on the Golden State Killer case, including collaboration between agencies.
3. The Role of Forensic Science
– Detail the growth of forensic science throughout the timeline of Deangelo’s crimes, including its impact on investigations.
– Explain how new technologies like DNA profiling played a pivotal role in identifying Deangelo decades after his crimes were committed.
– Analyze how genealogy databases helped investigators build a family tree that led to his arrest.
4. Ethical Considerations
– Use the Golden State Killer case as an opportunity for debates around privacy concerns involved with using genealogy databases for criminal investigations.
– Discuss ethical implications surrounding law enforcement accessing DNA information from people who voluntarily submit their samples for genealogical research.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Joseph Deangelo and the Golden State Killer case offers a unique chance to explore a wide range of topics, from criminal psychology to forensic science. By examining this notorious serial killer’s story, students can gain a better understanding of the complexities of criminal investigations and the importance of staying vigilant and adaptable when tracking down elusive suspects.