By Chester Moore
When most people think about the Golden State Killer, they think about the horrific crimes committed inside California homes during the 1970s and 1980s. But there’s another side of this story that deserves attention: the outdoors.
Joseph James DeAngelo, the man eventually identified as the Golden State Killer, operated in communities where greenbelts, drainage canals, wooded corridors and river parkways provided opportunities for concealment and escape. These were places where families walked, children played and people enjoyed nature. Yet they also became part of the landscape of one of America’s most terrifying crime sprees.
Listen to Episode 99: The Golden State Killer’s Outdoor Hunting Grounds
- Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
- Spotify: Listen Here
In this episode of Dark Outdoors®, I investigate how DeAngelo exploited these environments, including areas around the American River Parkway, and examine the tragic murders of Brian and Katie Maggiore.
One particularly disturbing account involves a suspect apparently hiding beneath vegetation while police searched nearby.
It’s a chilling reminder that some of the most dangerous predators in the outdoors walk on two legs.
The story also raises important questions about personal awareness and the vulnerabilities that can exist where neighborhoods meet wooded areas, trails and other natural corridors.
Final Days! My Halloween Book and Music Special!
Halloween is almost here, and we’re also down to the final days of a special offer I’m making available to Dark Outdoors subscribers and supporters.
My new book, I Was an ’80s Horror Kid, takes readers on a personal journey back to the days of monster movies, Halloween masks, creepy music and growing up in the 1980s.
It’s a look at the movies, music, memories and experiences that helped shape my lifelong fascination with monsters, mysteries and the strange side of life.
Through Halloween, you can get a personally signed copy of I Was an ’80s Horror Kid PLUS a FREE signed copy of my new Freak13® CD, No Longer Living Dead, for just $20, INCLUDING SHIPPING!
You can order directly through any of these options:
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chestermoore
- Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/lmoore526
- Cash App: $Moorefamily2310
Just include your shipping address with your payment or email it privately to chester@chestermoore.com.
You can also read more about the special offer here:
My Halloween Gift to Dark Outdoors Subscribers
Dark Outdoors Hits 100 Episodes on Halloween!
This Halloween marks a major milestone for Dark Outdoors®.
We’re releasing our 100th episode!
When I launched this podcast, my goal was to explore the darker side of the outdoors in ways that weren’t being covered elsewhere.
As a wildlife journalist who has spent more than three decades investigating everything from dangerous animals to mysterious wildlife reports, I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that exist beyond the familiar trails.
Over the course of 100 episodes, we’ve explored serial killers, disturbing wilderness encounters, mysterious creatures, wildlife crime, frightening personal experiences and even some strange connections between horror movies and real outdoor mysteries.
Some episodes have involved extensive research and interviews. Others have allowed me to share experiences from my own life that have stayed with me for decades.
And throughout it all, one thing has remained constant.
The outdoors has a dark side.
For Episode 100, I’m doing something a little different.
Our special Halloween release, Pray, Prepare, and Pack Heat: The Dark Outdoors Manifesto, will be a personal reflection on what I’ve learned, why these stories matter and what I believe people should understand about the world beyond their front doors.
I want to thank everyone who has listened, shared an episode or encouraged this journey. Reaching 100 episodes means a great deal to me, and I’m excited about what comes next.
One hundred episodes. Countless mysteries. And plenty more stories waiting beyond the campfire.
Pray, prepare, and pack heat!
Chester Moore
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
@gulfgreatwhitesharksociety on Instagram
@thechestermoore on Instagram
Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook
Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.
Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.