SACRAMENTO, Calif. –More than four decades after his last known crime, Joseph James DeAngelo, admitted he’s the man dubbed as the Golden State Killer and East Area Rapist.

On Monday, DeAngelo pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of kidnapping.

The 74-year-old also admitted raping more than 50 women in multiple counties across California in the 1970s and ‘80s. 

Linda O’Dell is one of the women who waited 43 years for justice to be served. While she was too anxious to attend the hearing, O’Dell watched DeAngelo confess his crimes from her house in the Sacramento area. 

O’Dell was a 22-year-old newlywed and new to California when she says the Golden State Killer broke into her and her former husband’s house in the middle of the night on May 14, 1977. 

She vividly recalls being woken up by a man with a ski mask who held a flashlight to her face. 

O’Dell says the attacker tied her and her ex-husband, and then placed dishes on his back and threatened to kill her if her ex-husband moved.

“He orders me to get up. He unties my legs and I’m starting to go down the hallway, and at first, I’m thinking it’s a robbery. Then, when he’s relocating me, and I knew I was going to be raped,” O’Dell said. 

For the first time, DeAngelo acknowledged that he’s responsible for killing 13 people and raping dozens of women. 

By pleading guilty, DeAngelo will be spared the death penalty and will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

O’Dell cried when she heard about the plea deal and says this is exactly what she wanted because she doesn’t believe in the death penalty.

“I forgive him. I don’t think it’s a sign of weakness. It doesn’t mean I forget. I think it’s a sign of strength,” O’Dell said.

While O’Dell has forgiven DeAngelo, she says there are daily reminders that take her back to that painful night.

“You never feel the same safety ever. I always check doors before I go to bed,” O’Dell added.

It’s also why she has slept with a German Shepard by her side every night for the past four decades. Still, O’Dell refuses to be called a victim.  

She says she’s a survivor and her best revenge has been living a happy life.

O’Dell hopes by sharing her story, she’ll help other survivors break their silence.

“I want women to come forward, college students – it’s not your fault – please go to the hospital, get therapy, and live a happy life,” she adds. 

DeAngelo’s sentencing is scheduled to happen in late August, where those were hurt by his crimes will have an opportunity to read impact statements. 

Due to California’s statute of limitations, DeAngelo will not be charged for the dozens of rapes he admitted to committing.