Dedicated

To all the survivors of the many crimes

related in this book, and to the memories

of all the victims. The DNA spoke for you.

You are not forgotten.

Digital illustration of a DNA model. 3D rendering

And to my number one (and only) son,

Christopher Emrys Rae Venter,

who encouraged me to rescind my request

for anonymity and go public with my role

in identifying the Golden State Killer.

Without that encouragement we would not

have this book.