John Arthur Getreu, a serial killer whose crimes spanned several continents and decades, passed away on September 22 at the age of 79 in state prison from natural causes.
His criminal history according to the RWC Pulse report began at only 18 years old with the murder and rape of 15-year-old Margaret Williams in Germany, where his father was stationed with the military. After his conviction and deportation back to the United States, his criminal activities extended from Florida to the Bay Area.
Getreu, who worked as a cardiac technician at Stanford and Mills hospitals, managed to conceal his criminal behavior. Not until 1974 his crimes reemerged with the murder of Janet Ann Taylor, soon followed by the killing of Leslie Marie Perlov in 1973. During these incidents, he continued to maintain an outward image of innocence, aided by a flawed legal system that meted out lenient sentences for his crimes.
Technology, in 2018, finally allowed his past to catch up with him, it was through advancements in DNA that linked him to his victims and brought justice to their families. As reported by ABC 7 news, this led to Getreu's arrest and subsequent conviction for the murders of Taylor and Perlov. His criminal history was exposed, but there are still unsolved aspects of his story. Investigative journalist Grace Kahng, who covered this case extensively, believes that Getreu might be responsible for at least 12 other murders, but these claims may remain unverified with his recent death.
The San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said, Getreu was among those people who paid for their actions at the very end of their life.
