Hillside Strangler Faces Parole Hearing Amidoutcry from Victims’ Families

Hillside Strangler Faces Parole Hearing Amidoutcry from Victims’ Families

The infamous Hillside Strangler, Anthony D’Amato, also known as Kenneth Bianchi, is under consideration for parole in Washington state. This news has raised significant concern among the families of his victims and the wider community, prompting questions about how a person convicted of such heinous crimes could even be considered for release.

Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack underscored the emotional toll this brings upon victims’ families, stating, “When people hear that Kenneth Bianchi is up for parole again, it brings back fear and sadness. These families lost daughters, sisters, and friends in some of the most brutal and cold-hearted crimes this country has seen. For them, this hearing isn’t just a legal step. It forces them to relive painful memories they’ve carried for decades.”

D’Amato’s Infamous Past

D’Amato is one of the notorious Hillside Stranglers, convicted for a series of murders during the late 1970s. This includes the killings of women and girls in Washington state. Alongside his cousin, Angelo Buono, he was responsible for the murders of five individuals in Southern California. Buono passed away in a California prison in 2002.

Working alone, D’Amato killed two women in the Bellingham area. Although authorities suspect him of involvement in additional murders, he was never convicted for those crimes. In a notable move in 2023, he legally changed his name from Bianchi.

Expert Concerns Over Parole

According to Pack, D’Amato’s potential for parole raises significant concerns. He noted, “As a retired FBI agent who studied violent crime and the behavior of offenders like Bianchi, I can tell you that the kind of danger he poses does not simply diminish with age. His crimes were carefully planned. He gained the trust of his victims before attacking them. Even after his arrest, he attempted to manipulate the system by faking mental illness and claiming to have multiple personalities.”

Pack highlighted that D’Amato’s name change might serve as a strategy to distance himself from his past actions. This tactic can confuse the parole process, making it appear as if he is a different person.

Understanding the Parole Process

The rationale behind D’Amato receiving a parole hearing lies in the legal requirements that mandate parole reviews for certain types of sentences. Pack explained, “This does not mean he is likely to be released. The parole board considers several factors: the severity of his crimes, his behavior while incarcerated, any signs of genuine remorse, and the risk he might pose if released.”

Pack further stressed, “In Bianchi’s case, his pattern of manipulation and lack of accountability should weigh heavily against him.” Although D’Amato is now 74 years old, the mindset that led him to commit such horrific crimes remains unchanged. According to Pack, age does not erase the dangerous thought processes that drove his criminal behavior.

Parole and Public Safety

Even if granted parole in Washington, D’Amato faces active murder charges in California. Pack reassured the public regarding safety, stating, “Despite the parole hearing, California has multiple life sentences waiting for him. If Washington state were to grant him freedom, he would not be released into society but would be immediately transferred to California to serve those sentences.”

Furthermore, Pack indicated that D’Amato could remain behind bars well into his old age, likely until death. He added, “Parole does not guarantee release, and Bianchi still faces serious legal hurdles.”

Ultimately, Pack emphasized the need for justice for the victims’ families, saying, “At the end of the day, the families deserve peace. The community has the right to feel safe, and the justice system must ensure that a man who has inflicted so much harm remains where he belongs—behind bars.”

A Look Into the Crimes

In January 1979, D’Amato, while working as a security guard in Bellingham, persuaded two Western Washington University students, Karen Mandic and Diane Wilder, to accompany him to his residence. Tragically, he subsequently strangled both women. These brutal murders prompted law enforcement to investigate D’Amato’s links to around ten similar cases in California.

To avoid facing the death penalty, D’Amato pled guilty in Washington and received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

Throughout his time in prison, D’Amato has consistently sought to overturn his Washington convictions. He has argued that his confession was obtained under hypnosis and has frequently proclaimed his innocence.

According to Pack, California law has allowed for periodic parole hearings even for convicted murderers like Bianchi since his sentencing. The same law continues to apply to cases that fall under it.

D’Amato’s attempts at securing parole have been denied multiple times both in Washington and California. Now 74, he is currently incarcerated at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. Initially scheduled for a parole hearing in May 2025, the hearing has since been postponed, with the parole board expected to reach a decision by July 23.

Ensuring Justice for Victims

The chilling prospect of a potential parole for a man responsible for such horrific acts continues to evoke strong emotions in the community. With the parole process in place, families of the victims are reminded of the trauma they endured. However, experts assert that the legal system still upholds its mandate to protect society from offenders like D’Amato.