Claude Snelling, a 45-year-old white male, was murdered in the early hours of September 11, 1975. Snelling, a journalism professor at the College of the Sequoias, was shot and killed while attempting to protect his teenage daughter from an intruder who had broken into their home. The assailant, later identified as Joseph James DeAngelo, was attempting to abduct Snelling's daughter when Snelling confronted him. DeAngelo shot Snelling twice before fleeing the scene.
Snelling succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.
The murder of Claude Snelling was later linked to the crime spree of the Visalia Ransacker, a burglar who had terrorized the Visalia area with over 100 break-ins. Investigators connected Snelling's murder to the Golden State Killer, a notorious serial offender responsible for numerous crimes across California. DeAngelo, who had worked as a police officer, was eventually arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including Snelling's murder. In 2020, DeAngelo pleaded guilty to the murder of Snelling and other crimes, leading to his sentencing to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prior to the murder, Snelling had encountered a prowler outside his daughter's window months earlier. He had chased the suspect but was unable to catch him. The prowler's description matched that of the Visalia Ransacker, and shoe prints found at the scene were consistent with those discovered at other burglary sites. The weapon used in Snelling's murder, a Miroku revolver, had been stolen during a previous burglary committed by the Ransacker.
The case remained unsolved for decades until DNA evidence and investigative breakthroughs led to DeAngelo's arrest. His crimes spanned multiple years and locations, and his eventual conviction brought closure to many victims and their families. Snelling's daughter, Elizabeth Hupp, later shared her story, expressing the lasting impact of her father's murder and the relief that justice had finally been served.
