Notorious 'Hillside Strangler' seeks freedom after decades behind bars despite expert warnings
Share this @internewscast.com

One of the infamous “Hillside Stranglers” was recently evaluated for possible parole in Washington state, raising questions about how someone convicted of such horrific crimes could be considered for release.

“When the public hears that Kenneth Bianchi, one of the individuals known as the Hillside Stranglers, is eligible for parole again, it reignites fear and sorrow for the families of the victims,” former FBI special agent Jason Pack shares with Fox News Digital.

“These families endured the loss of daughters, sisters, and friends due to some of the most vicious and cold-blooded crimes this nation has witnessed. For them, this hearing is not just a legal proceeding. It compels them to revisit the painful memories they’ve borne for years.”

Anthony D’Amato, formerly known as Kenneth Bianchi, is one of the infamous “Hillside Stranglers,” responsible for a series of murders involving women and girls during the late 1970s, including two killings in Washington.

Kenneth Bianchi in courtroom

Hillside Strangler Kenneth Bianchi testifies in a courtroom against his cousin and accomplice Angelo Buono. (Getty Images)

Realistically, Pack said Bianchi could remain incarcerated well into old age – likely until death.

Despite disturbing headlines, parole does not guarantee release, Pack said, adding that Bianchi still faces serious legal roadblocks.

“At the end of the day, the families of the victims deserve peace. The community deserves to feel safe. And the justice system has a responsibility to make sure a man who caused so much harm remains where he belongs – behind bars,” Pack said. 

After committing a series of violent crimes, including the sexual assault and murder of women in the Los Angeles area, D’Amato was employed as a security guard in Bellingham in January 1979. During his time there, he persuaded two Western Washington University students, Karen Mandic and Diane Wilder, to accompany him to a residence, where he subsequently strangled them. These murders prompted law enforcement to link D’Amato to approximately 10 similar cases in California.

Kenneth Bianchi Arriving at Court in 1979

Kenneth Bianchi gets out of a sheriff’s car on arrival at Criminal Courts Building in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 1979, where he arrived for arraignment on charges that he murdered five women in the Los Angeles area in late1977 and early 1978. (Getty Images)

To avoid a death sentence, D’Amato pleaded guilty in Washington and received two consecutive life sentences without parole.

During his incarceration, D’Amato has made repeated legal attempts to overturn his Washington convictions, arguing, among other things, that his confession was obtained under hypnosis. He has consistently proclaimed his innocence.

Pack said that during the time of Bianchi’s conviction, California law allowed for periodic parole hearings, even for convicted murderers. That law remains applicable to those sentenced under it.

D’Amato’s parole requests have been denied on multiple occasions in recent years in both Washington state and California. 

D’Amato, now 74 and incarcerated at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, was originally scheduled for a parole hearing in May 2025, which was later delayed. The board is expected to publish its decision by July 23. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Oswego, IL Chick-fil-A: Darryl Lee Jr., 19, charged with murder in stabbing, attack at restaurant on Route 34 held in custody

Oswego Chick-fil-A Stabbing: 19-Year-Old Darryl Lee Jr. Charged with Murder at Route 34 Restaurant

A man implicated in a fatal stabbing incident at a Chick-Fil-A in…
Security video captures moment former mayor stabbed multiple times outside his blue state business

Security Footage Reveals Former Mayor Stabbed Repeatedly Outside Business in Blue State

A dramatic incident unfolded outside a Massachusetts cannabis dispensary on Monday afternoon,…
US deploys Ford carrier strike group to combat narco-terror in Western Hemisphere

US Deploys Ford Carrier Strike Group to Tackle Narco-Terrorism in Western Hemisphere

The Trump administration has issued orders for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier…
ICE in Chicago: Judge rules detainment of Ruben Torres Maldonado, father of teen with cancer unlawful, orders prompt bond hearing

Chicago Court Declares ICE Detainment of Cancer Patient’s Father Unlawful, Orders Immediate Bond Hearing

In a significant development on Friday, a federal judge issued a new…
CPS news: Some Chicago Board of Education members call for Chicago Public Sshools remote learning amid immigration operations

Chicago Board Members Urge CPS to Consider Remote Learning in Response to Immigration Actions

CHICAGO — A renewed push for remote learning in Chicago Public Schools…
Dramatic video shows NYPD officers rescuing a missing dog named Moose from beneath a Manhattan subway train

Watch: NYPD Heroes Save Missing Dog ‘Moose’ from Manhattan Subway Tracks

A dramatic rescue unfolded in Manhattan as officers from the New York…
Jail's tight leash on Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin all about 'safety,' not silencing, expert says

Attorneys for Alleged Assassin in Charlie Kirk Case Seek Courtroom Camera Ban to Combat ‘Content Tornado

Lawyers representing the man accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie…
Hollywood piano teacher allegedly flees country after sexual abuse conviction involving teen

Renowned Hollywood Piano Instructor Vanishes Overseas Following Teen Abuse Verdict

In an unexpected twist, a Hollywood piano teacher, convicted of sexually abusing…
United States Department of Justice appealing dismissal of sanctuary city policy lawsuit against Illinois, Cook County, Chicago

U.S. Department of Justice to Challenge Dismissal of Sanctuary City Policy Lawsuit Against Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago

The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging a court decision concerning a…
Michael Wolff Sues Melania Trump, Plans to Question Her

Michael Wolff Initiates Legal Action Against Melania Trump, Seeks to Question Her

Michael Wolff, the controversial author famous for his insider accounts of the…
More than 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky recalled over metal contamination

Urgent Recall: Over 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Due to Metal Contamination

Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled jerky or return it…
Officials investigating after deadly crane collapse in commercial area north of Boston

Tragic Crane Collapse Under Investigation in Boston’s Northern Suburbs

Tragedy struck just north of Boston on Friday, as a crane collapse…