Horace Van Vaultz

Overview

Horace Van Vaultz Jr. (born May 21, 1955) is an American serial killer infamous for the brutal rapes and murders of at least three women in Southern California between 1981 and 1986. His case is chilling not only for the violent crimes he committed but also for the haunting collection of photographs he retained—images of young girls and women, some of whom police suspect may have fallen victim to his predatory behavior. While several of those photographed have been identified and confirmed to still be alive, the dark shadow of suspicion looms heavily over Vaultz.

Quick Facts

• Born: May 21, 1955 (Age: 70)
• Criminal Status: Incarcerated
• Conviction: First-degree murder (2 counts)
• Criminal Penalty: Two consecutive life sentences without parole
• Details of Victims: 3+
• Span of Crimes: 1981–1986
• Country: United States
• State: California
• Date Apprehended: November 15, 2019
• Imprisoned at: California State Prison, Corcoran

Early Arrest and Acquittal

Vaultz's criminal history began to unfold in 1984 when he was arrested in Huntington Beach for the brutal rape and attempted strangulation of a 22-year-old woman. Despite the gravity of the crime, Vaultz pled no contest and received only probation—an outcome that would later seem shockingly lenient given the horrific nature of his later offenses.

The case that would ultimately bring him into the spotlight occurred on May 6, 1987, when he was arrested for the murder of 25-year-old Janna Kathleen Rowe, a waitress from Newbury Park. Rowe's lifeless body was discovered strangled near the Ventura River on December 27, 1986. Vaultz alleged he had befriended Rowe after her move from Utah and claimed to have last seen her at a Ventura motel the day before her murder. However, discrepancies in his alibi emerged—he had checked in and out of the motel around the time of Rowe's death, leading to his arrest.

Despite this compelling evidence, Vaultz was acquitted of murder in January 1988, walking away from the trial without any conviction. The legal system had failed to hold him accountable for his actions at that time.

A Chilling Discovery

Fast forward to November 2019, when investigators revisited the cold case, propelled by advancements in DNA technology. A search of Vaultz's home in Bakersfield revealed a disturbing trove of photographs featuring numerous young women and teenage girls. Some of these individuals were suspected to be murder victims, raising alarms among investigators. Remarkably, two of the women depicted in the photographs were identified and confirmed to be alive, prompting further questions about the extent of Vaultz's criminal activities.

Convictions and Sentencing

The breakthrough in the case came in 2019 when DNA evidence linked Vaultz not only to the murder of Janna Rowe but also to two other unsolved murders in Montclair and Burbank. These revelations led to his retrial, and on August 18, 2022, he was found guilty of killing Selena Keough and Mary Duggan. This conviction emerged from the application of investigative genetic genealogy, a technique that has become increasingly pivotal in solving cold cases.

On September 19, 2022, Vaultz was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison without the possibility of parole. Even with the weight of the evidence against him, Vaultz continues to maintain his innocence, leaving a lingering question mark over his true culpability.

Conclusion

The case of Horace Van Vaultz is a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows of society. His ability to evade justice for so many years speaks volumes about the complexities of criminal investigations and the chilling reality that some predators can live among us undetected. The forensic breakthroughs in this case not only brought closure to some families but also highlighted the evolving nature of crime-solving techniques.

Sources

• "California man convicted of 1980s rape-murders of two women with help of genealogy websites." CBS. August 19, 2022.
• Inmate Locator, inmate BU7697.
• A. L. Lee (August 19, 2022). "Jury convicts California serial killer Horace Vaultz, who eluded police for decades." United Press International.
• " 'Sexually motivated serial killer' convicted of killing two SoCal women in 1980s." KTTV.
• "California 'serial killer' convicted of 1980s rape-murders of two women." East Bay Times.
• James Queally (November 16, 2019). "DNA DATA LEAD TO ARREST IN 1980S SLAYINGS." Los Angeles Times.
• Olivia Jakiel (August 18, 2022). "Man Who 'Targeted Young Women' Convicted of Decades-Old Murders with Help of Investigative Genetic Genealogy." MSN.
• "Man Arrested In Brutal 1980s Killings Of 2 Women In Burbank, Montclair Thanks To DNA Evidence." KCBS-TV.
• "Genealogy search helps convict California man in 1980s rape, murder cases." NBC.
• "Man convicted in 2 California cold case killings linked to Ventura County slaying." Ventura County Star.
• Terri Vermeulen Keith (August 19, 2022). "Investigative genetic genealogy leads to man's conviction in 2 Southern California cold case murders." ABC News.
• Hoffman, Michael E. (January 28, 1988). Jury: Man innocent of murder. Ventura County Star.
• Leonard, Eric (March 5, 2020). Mystery Photos Found at Accused Serial Killer's Home. Today in L.A.
• Apparent murder victim identified as waitress. Simi Valley Star.
• Murder charged in death of woman found near river. Ventura County Star.
• Man will stand trial in strangulation. Ventura County Star.
• Allie Weintraub (March 6, 2020). "Do You Know These Women? Police Ask Public to Help Identify 21 Photos Found in Home of Accused Killer." Inside Edition.
• "Man Sentenced for Cold Case Killings of Two SoCal Women in 1980s." NBC Los Angeles.
• Terri Vermeulen Keith (August 19, 2022). "Man convicted in slayings of Reseda, San Bernardino." The Orange County Register.

For further details, you can check the original Wikipedia article.