Buono (left) and Bianchi (right)
Biography[]
Collaboration Begins[]
The infamous Hillside Stranglers, Angelo Buono (1934 — 2002) and Kenneth Bianchi, embarked on a spree of terror in Los Angeles between October 1977 and February 1978. Cousins by blood, they formed a lethal partnership, forever linking their names to one of the most notorious crime sprees in American history.
Early Lives[]
Angelo Buono, born on October 5, 1934, in Rochester, New York, had a troubled history of criminal activities, including running prostitution rings. Kenneth Bianchi, born on May 22, 1951, in Rochester, also had a criminal record, including theft and fraud. Their paths converged, setting the stage for a series of gruesome crimes.
Modus Operandi[]
The Hillside Stranglers targeted young women, typically luring them with promises of employment. Once in their control, the victims were subjected to sexual assault, torture, and murder. The killers left a trail of bodies in various locations, complicating the investigation.
Distinct Roles[]
Buono and Bianchi had distinct roles in their crimes. Buono, the older and more experienced of the two, managed the logistics and disposal of the bodies. Bianchi, using his charm, played a crucial role in luring victims. Their collaboration allowed them to evade law enforcement for a considerable period.
Arrests and Legal Maneuvers[]
The Hillside Strangler case gained notoriety, leading to intense media coverage and public fear. In 1979, Bianchi was apprehended in Bellingham, Washington, attempting to commit a similar crime. Subsequently, Buono was arrested. Their legal proceedings revealed a web of deception, manipulation, and brutal violence.
Trial and Conviction[]
During the trial, both Buono and Bianchi attempted to shift blame onto each other. Bianchi struck a deal, testifying against Buono in exchange for a reduced sentence. In 1983, Buono was found guilty of nine counts of murder and conspiracy, receiving a life sentence without parole.
Legacy of Horror[]
The Hillside Stranglers left a haunting legacy of brutality and fear. The case highlighted the challenges of investigating serial crimes and showcased the need for improved law enforcement coordination. The chilling accounts of their crimes remain a dark chapter in the annals of criminal history.
Fates of the Killers[]
While Bianchi continues to serve multiple life sentences in Washington State Penitentiary, Buono died on September 21, 2002, in Calipatria State Prison of a heart attack.
Perpetrators[]
Victims[]
- Main articles: Angelo Buono, Kenneth Bianchi
Bibliography[]
Literature[]
- O'Brien, Darcy (1990). Two of a Kind: The Hillside Strangler, Signet. ISBN 978-0451163028
- O'Brien, Darcy (2017). The Hillside Stranglers: The Inside Story of the Killing Spree That Terrorized Los Angeles, Open Road Media. ISBN 978-1504047883
Articles[]
- Bardsley, Marilyn. Buono and Bianchi, the Hillside Stranglers. Crime Library. Archived from the original on February 9, 2015.
- Mark Oliver (May 13, 2023). The Hillside Stranglers, The Predators Who Raped And Murdered 10 Victims. All That's Interesting.
Documentaries[]
Television[]
- Mugshots: The Hillside Strangler on IMDb
- Born to Kill?: Kenneth Bianchi & Angelo Buono Jr: The Hollywood Hillside Strangler (October 2012) on IMDb
- World's Most Evil Killers: The Hillside Stranglers - Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono (July 2020) on IMDb
- City of Angels, City of Death (2021 — ) on IMDb
- The Hillside Strangler (2021–2022) on IMDb
YouTube Documentaries[]
- Hillside Stranglers: The Deadly Cousin Duo (World's Most Evil Killers), Real Crime on YouTube
- Who Were The Hollywood Stranglers? (Born To Kill), Our Life on YouTube
- The Horrifying Case Of The Hillside Stranglers, Our Life on YouTube
- The Case of the Hillside Strangler, That Chapter on YouTube
Podcasts[]
- The Hillside Stranglers - Part 1. Serial Killers with Greg Polcyn & Vanessa Richardson.
- The Hillside Stranglers - Part 2. Serial Killers with Greg Polcyn & Vanessa Richardson.
- The Real-Life Harley Quinn, The Casual Criminalist on YouTube
In popular culture[]
Film adaptations[]
- The Case of the Hillside Stranglers (1989) on IMDb
- The Hillside Stranglers (2001) on IMDb
- The Hillside Strangler (2004) on IMDb (The Hillside Strangler trailer on YouTube)
- Rampage: The Hillside Strangler Murders (2006) on IMDb
Related Articles[]
See also[]
- The Killing Cousins are also a pair of Serial Killer cousins.
Links[]
- Hillside Strangler at Wikipedia