In a decision that has provoked substantial unrest among residents of the Antelope Valley community, convicted "Pillowcase Rapist" Christopher Hubbart has been approved to reside in the Juniper Hills area, as announced by LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. This recent approval, despite a history of vehement protestation, represents the third instance of a sexually violent predator gaining conditional release residency in the same high desert community over the past three years.
A report from FOX LA highlights Hochman's commitment to community safety, stating, "The District Attorney’s Office will remain vigilant of this placement, holding the safety of our community as the office’s highest priority." The placement of Hubbart immediately stirred controversy given the area's previous assignments of similar criminals, with opposition arising from both residents and elected officials. Despite Hubbart's notorious criminal record, spanning decades with at least 40 rapes and other sex crimes, the judge ruled that no alternative placements were suggested by any agency.
The background of Hubbart's case reveals that after being detained as a sexually violent predator, his release had been revoked in 2017 for a parole violation but was later positioned for potential conditional release from Coalinga State Hospital. There was a placement hearing on October 1, 2024, at the Hollywood Courthouse that unfolded amidst the District Attorney's Office, interested officials, and community members pushing against this decision. Nevertheless, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County finalized Hubbart's residency in Juniper Hills, with the residents' safety voiced as a paramount concern by opposition groups.
Concerns about Hubbart's placement are further underscored by a statement from the District Attorney's Office, where DA Hochman criticized the court’s decision. Hochman mentioned, "Hubbart’s placement marks the third time in three years that a person found suitable for conditional release has been placed in our county’s high desert." He expressed frustrations over the community being perceived as a "dumping ground" for such individuals. Despite the location's challenges with monitoring the predator and the posited risks to community safety, the housing committee was only granted a 48-hour confidential notice ahead of Hubbart's Friday placement.
