On April 27th, 2018, Joseph DeAngelo appeared in a Sacramento County courtroom before Judge Michael Sweet for an arraignment hearing. Handcuffed to a wheelchair and appearing to be weak or sedated, DeAngelo’s answers to the judge’s questions were barely audible. His head often drifted to the side as if he was having a hard time holding it up, and he offered little in the way of body language. Attendees noted that he was breathing very deeply.
The judge asked him if Joseph James DeAngelo was his true and correct name. He whispered “yes,” and the judge made him repeat his answer with more volume.
He was then informed that he was appearing before the Sacramento County Superior Court for two reasons — to inform him of the murder charges from Ventura County and from Sacramento County.
He was then asked about the status of his representation. He hesitated before answering, and his answer was barely audible. Judge Sweet asked him if he understood his questions, and DeAngelo repeated “I have a lawyer.” Public Defender Diane Howard accepted the appointment to represent DeAngelo.
Howard acknowledge the receipt of the complaints, and she reserved the right to make later objections to the complaints against DeAngelo. Howard then spent a few moments conferring with DeAngelo in whispers.
The next court date was set for May 14th, 2018 at 8:30 AM.
Below is a video of the arraignment provided by the Sacramento Bee: