At a Glance
- Kenneth Bianchi, half of the Hillside Strangler duo, maintains innocence after 45 years
- Cousin Angelo Buono died in prison in 2002 while serving life without parole
- Bianchi denied parole for eighth time in July 2025, next chance in 2035
- Why it matters: Case remains one of California’s most notorious, highlighting flaws in 1970s investigations
Nearly five decades after terror gripped Los Angeles, one of the Hillside Stranglers still claims he was coerced into confessing. Kenneth Bianchi continues to deny responsibility for the 10 murders that shocked the city between 1977 and 1978.
The Killing Spree That Shocked L.A.
Between October 1977 and February 1978, cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono kidnapped, raped and strangled 10 women in a five-month rampage. Their victims ranged from 12 to 28 years old.
The killers often posed as police officers to lure victims to Buono’s Glendale garage. Many bodies were discovered along Los Angeles hillsides, earning them their infamous nickname.
Victims included:
- Yolanda Washington, 19, found near Griffith Park
- Judith Miller, Lissa Kastin, Dolores Cepeda
- Sonja Johnson, Kristina Weckler, Jane King
- Lauren Wagner, Kimberly Martin, Cindy Hudspeth
The cousins also operated an outcall prostitution service before turning to murder.
How They Were Caught
The killings mysteriously stopped in early 1978. But Bianchi’s arrest came after he moved to Washington state.
In January 1979, Bianchi was arrested for murdering two college students in Bellingham. Under hypnosis – a common police technique then – he confessed to those killings and five Hillside murders.
Bianchi attempted an insanity defense, claiming multiple personality disorder. When that failed, he agreed to testify against Buono to avoid execution.
The Trial That Broke Records
Buono’s trial began in 1981 and became the longest murder trial in U.S. history. Key facts:
- 400 witnesses testified
- 50,000 pages of testimony recorded
- 20 days of sequestered jury deliberations
- Trial lasted two years before verdict
The prosecution faced major hurdles. Bianchi proved unreliable on the stand, constantly changing his story. District Attorney John Van De Kamp controversially dropped all charges against Buono in July 1981, causing public outrage.
Superior Court Judge Ronald George rescued the case, ordering prosecutors to resume the case “vigorously and effectively.” Buono was eventually convicted of nine murders.
Where They Are Now
Angelo Buono received life without parole. He died of a heart attack at Calipatria State Prison in 2002 at age 67.
Kenneth Bianchi remains imprisoned at Walla Walla State Penitentiary in Washington. In July 2025, he was denied parole for the eighth time. He’ll be eligible again in 2035.
According to News Of Los Angeles, Bianchi continues claiming his hypnosis-induced confession was coerced and false. In 2023, he legally changed his name to Anthony D’Amato.
The Investigation’s Flaws
The case exposed serious investigative problems in 1970s California. Police initially failed to connect the similar murders. The cousins operated freely for months despite mounting evidence.
Bianchi’s attempted multiple personality defense became notorious in legal circles. His unreliable testimony nearly derailed Buono’s prosecution entirely.
The trial’s extraordinary length highlighted the complexity of prosecuting serial killers before modern forensic techniques.
Key Takeaways
- The Hillside Strangler case remains among California’s most infamous crimes
- Bianchi’s continued denials keep the case in headlines nearly 50 years later
- The investigation and trial exposed major flaws in 1970s law enforcement
- The case influenced how serial killer investigations are conducted today
