A notorious California serial sex fiend known as the “Pillowcase Rapist” is about to be released — despite the objections of the Los Angeles County D.A.'s office, which put him in prison years ago.
Christopher Hubbart, 63, who claims he raped 40 women since the 1970s, has been recommended for release by a Santa Clara judge and will have a hearing next month to determine where he will be held, prosecutors said this week.
The decision — which allows the dangerous criminal to be held within 40 miles of a city where he once roamed — enraged Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who called it “irresponsible and unjust.”
“Putting these individuals in the same community over and over again shows a callous disregard for the safety and well-being of our residents,” Gascon said in a statement this week.,
“Our deputy district attorneys will continue to oppose Mr. Hubbart being placed in the Antelope Valley,” he said. “We must demand more from our judicial system, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of our community, as well as seeking alternative locations for these placements.”
Hubbart was given this nasty nickname because he had a habit of covering his victims' heads with pillowcases during attacks. The LostAngeles Times reported,
In total, he has admitted to 44 sex crimes over 18 years, the outlet said.
The sexual predator was first arrested in 1972 on charges of rape, sodomy and attempted rape after breaking into the homes of 10 women, and was sent to a mental hospital after being convicted.
He was released in 1979 and moved to the Bay Area, where he was arrested again two years later and charged with new counts of rape and burglary arising from a new series of sexual assaults.
After serving about eight years in prison, Hubbart was released, but was convicted again in 1990 and sent back to prison, where he remained for 10 years, Gascon said.
After his release in 2000, he was forced to remain in state hospitals as a sexually violent predator.
Hubbart was eventually released again under supervision but violated the terms and was sent back to the state hospital in 2014. Then, in March 2023, a court in Santa Clara granted his conditional release.
A hearing on Oct. 1 will determine where the ex-offender will live pending his release — a decision likely to raise concerns from wary residents and politicians.
“While I understand the state conducts an extensive study and evaluation before proposing a location, nothing can replace the real-world perspective that only community members can provide,” said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the area where Hubbart is likely to be located.
“I want to make sure my constituents are informed about this process and have every opportunity to voice their opinion on the decision,” Barger said in a statement.
