Unmasked

1. Paul Holes' journey from lab technician to cold case investigator

"I hibernated in my office for weeks getting reacquainted with the EAR files."

From lab to field. Paul Holes began his career as a forensic lab technician, analyzing drug and alcohol samples. His curiosity and determination led him to explore cold cases, particularly the East Area Rapist (EAR) files he discovered in an abandoned cabinet. This marked the beginning of his transition from a lab-based role to an investigator in the field.

Developing a unique skill set. Holes combined his scientific background with investigative techniques, creating a hybrid approach to solving crimes. He developed a keen eye for detail and the ability to reconstruct crime scenes mentally. This unique combination of skills allowed him to see connections and patterns that others might miss.

Persistence and innovation. Throughout his career, Holes demonstrated an unwavering commitment to solving cold cases. He often pursued leads on his own time, even when faced with bureaucratic obstacles. His innovative approach to using new technologies and techniques in investigations set him apart from traditional law enforcement methods.

2. The East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker case becomes Holes' obsession

"I never stopped thinking about Neal and Brendan Abernathy. I'd awaken in the middle of the night asking, 'What did I get wrong? What am I missing?'"

A case that haunts. The East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker (EAR/ONS) case became Paul Holes' primary obsession. This serial rapist and killer terrorized California in the 1970s and 1980s, committing at least 50 rapes and 13 murders. The case went cold for decades, but Holes refused to let it go.

Psychological toll. The pursuit of the EAR/ONS case had a significant impact on Holes' personal life and mental health. He experienced nightmares, anxiety, and a growing sense of isolation as he delved deeper into the case. The emotional weight of the victims' stories and the frustration of near-misses in identifying the perpetrator took their toll.

Relentless pursuit. Despite setbacks and false leads, Holes continued to revisit the case throughout his career. He reexamined evidence, explored new technologies, and collaborated with other investigators and experts. This persistence would ultimately prove crucial in the eventual resolution of the case.

3. Innovative DNA techniques lead to breakthroughs in cold cases

"I was confident enough at that point to share my conviction about Potts with Anne Marie Schubert, a Sacramento County assistant district attorney."

Embracing new technology. Paul Holes was at the forefront of using DNA technology in cold case investigations. He recognized the potential of DNA evidence early on and consistently pushed for its use in solving old cases.

Overcoming limitations. As DNA technology advanced, Holes adapted his approach. He moved from basic blood typing to more sophisticated techniques like STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis. When traditional methods fell short, he explored innovative approaches such as:

• Y-chromosome analysis
• Familial DNA searching
• Genetic genealogy

Learning from failures. The case of Robert Lewis Potts, a suspect Holes pursued intensively, demonstrated both the promise and pitfalls of DNA evidence. While DNA ultimately eliminated Potts as a suspect, the experience taught Holes valuable lessons about avoiding tunnel vision and the importance of corroborating evidence.

4. Collaboration with Michelle McNamara and the birth of the "Golden State Killer" moniker

"Michelle and I spoke regularly after that, and it made me feel alive again. We shared information and ideas."

Unlikely partnership. Paul Holes formed a unique collaboration with true crime writer Michelle McNamara. Their partnership bridged the gap between law enforcement and public interest in the case. McNamara's fresh perspective and investigative skills complemented Holes' expertise and access to evidence.

Rebranding the killer. McNamara coined the term "Golden State Killer" in her 2013 Los Angeles magazine article. This new moniker helped reignite public interest in the case and provided a unified identity for the previously separate EAR and ONS cases.

Tragic loss and renewed determination. Michelle McNamara's sudden death in 2016 was a significant blow to Holes and the investigation. However, it also strengthened his resolve to solve the case, viewing it as a way to honor her memory and complete their shared mission.

5. Personal struggles and sacrifices in pursuit of justice

"I had spent nearly two years of my life pursuing the wrong person. Two years of putting the case before everything."

Work-life imbalance. Paul Holes' dedication to solving cold cases, particularly the Golden State Killer case, came at a significant personal cost. His obsession with the case strained his relationships with both his first and second wives.

Emotional toll. The constant exposure to violent crimes and the frustration of unsolved cases affected Holes' mental health. He experienced:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Nightmares and disturbed sleep
• Feelings of isolation and detachment

Career challenges. Holes often found himself at odds with superiors and colleagues who didn't share his passion for cold cases. He had to navigate bureaucratic obstacles and skepticism about his methods, sometimes risking his career to pursue leads.

6. The evolution of the Golden State Killer's crimes

"The Golden State Killer had a longer refractory time between his attacks than the East Area Rapist, who could have four or five attacks in a week."

Escalation of violence. The Golden State Killer's crimes evolved from burglaries to rapes and eventually to murders. Holes' analysis of the crime scenes revealed a pattern of increasing violence and sophistication in the killer's methods.

Psychological profile. Through his investigation, Holes developed insights into the killer's psychology:

• Need for control and dominance
• Ability to adapt and learn from past attacks
• Possible connection between personal life stressors and timing of crimes

Geographic spread. The killer's attacks spanned multiple jurisdictions across California, complicating the investigation. Holes' work in connecting the Northern and Southern California crimes was crucial in understanding the full scope of the Golden State Killer's activities.

7. Genealogy and SNP technology: A game-changer in criminal investigations

"Law enforcement had been playing in the shallow end of the genealogy pool. I was ready to plunge into much deeper waters."

Breakthrough technology. The use of SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) technology and genetic genealogy marked a turning point in the Golden State Killer investigation. This approach allowed investigators to search a much broader pool of potential relatives than traditional DNA methods.

Overcoming obstacles. Implementing this new technology in a criminal investigation presented numerous challenges:

• Legal and ethical considerations
• Resistance from traditional law enforcement
• Technical hurdles in adapting commercial genealogy tools for forensic use

Collaborative effort. The successful application of genetic genealogy in the Golden State Killer case required collaboration between law enforcement, genetic experts, and genealogists. This interdisciplinary approach would set a new standard for solving cold cases in the future.

Last updated: January 22, 2025