For decades, he was America’s most elusive, unidentified wanted man.

A former police officer accused of being the most vile, notorious serial murderer and rapist that has ever lived – the Golden State Killer.

And now, after 42 years of evading capture, an extraordinary and shocking piece of history is currently unfolding in a court in Sacramento, California.

For decades, he was America’s most elusive, unidentified wanted man. (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

And now, after 42 years of evading capture, an extraordinary and shocking piece of history is currently unfolding in a court in Sacramento, California. (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

Watch ‘Unmasked’ in full tonight on Channel 9 after The Block. For more on 60 Minutes head to the official website .

Tonight on 60 Minutes , reporter Liam Bartlett reveals how the accused Golden State Killer was finally brought to justice.

Using innovative detective work and a commonly used website, police were able to identify the prime suspect through a family member he had never met or even knew existed.

Joseph James DeAngelo is now in custody in California facing trial on multiple murder charges alleging he is the sadistic attacker who killed 13 people and raped at least 50 women.

Using innovative detective work and a commonly used website, police were able to identify the prime suspect through a family member he had never met or even knew existed. (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

Only an angry glare gives away any hint that for decades DeAngelo struck fear into the hearts of women across America’s west coast. (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

Bartlett reports that being face-to-face with the frail-looking 72-year-old can easily deceive.

Only an angry glare gives away any hint that for decades DeAngelo struck fear into the hearts of women across America’s west coast.

One of those terrified victims was Jane Carson-Sandler, who takes Bartlett through her terrifying ordeal at the hands of the Golden State Killer.

“I saw a bright light shining down the hall and someone running down the hall,” Ms Carson-Sandler revealed.

“I saw a bright light shining down the hall and someone running down the hall,” Ms Carson-Sandler revealed. (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

“I think that had it been a couple of years later … I probably would have died." (60 Minutes) (60 Minutes)

“I hardly had time to react and when I looked up there was a man wearing a ski mask, holding a large butcher knife.

“The fear was so overwhelming. I’ll never forget it.”

One of the Golden State Killer’s signature trademarks was to taunt his victims by calling them months and even years after the attacks to continue terrorising them psychologically.

One of his victims was telephoned almost 25 years after the assault, with the rapist whispering “remember when we partied” into her ear.

The taunting still haunts his youngest victim, Margaret Wardlow, who was just 13 when the attack took place.

“Do you think it’s just luck of the draw that he didn’t kill you?” Bartlett asked Ms Wardlow.

“I think that had it been a couple of years later … I probably would have died,” she replied.

Also speaking to 60 Minutes is Detective Paul Holes, who reveals how he was able to track down the illusive killer with a highly unusual but incredibly effective investigative technique