12/26/75: Twelve Twenty-Six Seventy-Five

by Tony Reid

For Tony Reid, this case began as a claim of innocence in the murder of Donna Jo Richmond in 1975. While the errors in the original investigation and a flawed trial resulted in a guilty verdict, the reassessment confirmed that the defendant was framed but the question became: by whom? Working with a new team of investigators, which included two of the original detectives, the probe uncovered a startling new possibility: Was the real culprit a serial offender?

Turning to the public for information, Mr. Reid created the 12/26/75 podcast. Based on primary evidence and new interviews surrounding the murder of Donna Jo on that date in Exeter, California, the team re-examined every possibility. The investigators soon found something more than a terribly failed verdict. They discovered connections to the unsolved murders of Jennifer Armour and Claude Snelling—and links to The East Area Rapist. They uncovered shocking corruption by the original lead investigator who illegally destroyed trial evidence and looked into the unexplained death of the original defense attorney. This pursuit led them right back to Exeter, where a new suspect in these murders emerged: Joseph DeAngelo, who was then a full-time sergeant with the local police department, the officer in charge of violent crimes and burglary investigations.

This book is more than an adaptation of the 12/26/75 podcast. It shares new insight formed during the investigation and provides a first-hand look at the Tulare crimes, as well as exposing the faulty evidence used to obtain and maintain the false conviction. More than anything else, 12/26/75 demonstrates the enormous consequences of letting a serial killer go free, made worse when combined with the painful mistakes, in-fighting, and finger-pointing by certain jurisdictions. The catastrophic results are undeniable. Now that the mystery of how it all unfolded is revealed, we can also begin to examine the reforms necessary to prevent this tragedy from happening again.

Genres: True Crime

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2022

About the author

Tony Reid is a private investigator and experienced criminal appeals attorney. Following a request to evaluate a Tulare County case for a claim of actual innocence, the inquiry turned into a real-time investigation—the hunt for a serial killer. Turning to the public for information, this investigation became a podcast: “12/26/75.” It was not merely the date of the homicide, it was also the moment that should have changed everything… and, it remains the critical turning point. While most true crime podcasts generate theories and rely on random speculation, Mr. Reid partnered with three of the original investigators, and using police reports, witness statements, and primary evidence, they re-examined the cases. They found their suspect. In fact, one year before Joe DeAngelo, Jr., was identified as the most wanted serial killer in California, Mr. Reid’s investigative team added DeAngelo to their suspect list, and correctly announced that the offender was “a resident of Exeter, California in 1975.” The book adaptation of the podcast provides a firsthand glimpse into the investigation. It is the story of a sworn California law enforcement officer whose decade of terror, and ensuing 40 years of freedom, were facilitated by other lawmen who squabbled with one another and, even some who actively covered for him.

Reviews

[Dane Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Reid does an excellent job at explaining why Oscar Clifton is 100% innocent. And why Joe DeAngelo is 100% guilty. It's an entertaining, informative, and suspenseful read. Mr. Reid spent decades involved in this case. His passion and knowledge of the case are unparalleled!!!

[Misty Felder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and interesting!

I couldn't put this book down. Highly recommend if interested in true crime and wrongful convictions. I would never have believed that corruption existed to this level. Just horrifying to think about.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

shocking

Warning…great book but oh so depressing to know the truth and not be able to do anything about it. I want to scream it from the roof tops. Why don’t more people want to do the same. None of us are safe. Egotistical, power drunk law enforcement and DAs do as they please, leaving real criminals to do as they please, all while harassing, framing, and locking up innocent individuals. Win at all costs, just close the case. Who cares if they are right? I DO!!!