The "Original Night Stalker" is a nickname given to an unidentified serial killer and rapist who operated in California during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This criminal is believed to be responsible for at least 12 homicides and over 50 sexual assaults, primarily targeting couples in their homes. The case remains unsolved, and the perpetrator is also linked to the East Area Rapist, a series of sexual assaults in Northern California. In 2016, DNA evidence connected the Original Night Stalker to the Golden State Killer, a name used for the same individual after a broader investigation. The case gained renewed attention through media coverage and true crime documentaries, leading to increased public interest and efforts to identify the suspect. In April 2018, authorities arrested Joseph James DeAngelo, who was later charged with multiple counts of murder and sexual assault.