Outrage erupts in California as convicted rapist Christopher Hubbart, the “Pillowcase Rapist,” is set for release next month.
At a Glance
- Residents vow to protest until Hubbart is removed or returned to prison.
- Hubbart admitted to assaulting around 40 women in California.
- Scheduled for conditional release in Juniper Hills, north of LA.
- Santa Clara County judge approved conditional release; opposition remains strong.
Intense Community Opposition
Los Angeles residents are vehemently opposing the conditional release of Christopher Hubbart, scheduled for next month in Juniper Hills. Known as the “Pillowcase Rapist” for his method of using pillowcases to silence his victims, Hubbart is responsible for the brutal assaults on approximately 40 women across Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties. Despite a Santa Clara County judge deeming him suitable for conditional release, community members and local officials are gearing up for a fierce battle.
Residents of the Antelope Valley area are mobilizing efforts to prevent Hubbart from living in Juniper Hills, citing his history of violent sexual offenses and previous violations of release conditions. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also urged residents to make their voices heard against Hubbart’s release. A court hearing on October 1 will determine the final decision on his intended placement.
In 2014 the pillowcase rapist was released into our community. We fought hard to keep that from happening & won when he violated his conditions (we knew he would) & he was sent back. We can fight this but we need to end early release for violent offenders. https://t.co/O6T3uU4edB
— Suzette Valladares (@suzettemartinez) September 8, 2024
A Long History of Criminal Activity
Hubbart’s criminal history has been extensive and troubling. First convicted in the early 1970s for assaults, he was initially deemed a “mentally disordered sex offender.” Despite multiple incarcerations and releases, his pattern of predatory behavior persisted. After being released from Atascadero State Hospital in 1979, he allegedly raped another 15 women within two years before being imprisoned again.
“Quite frankly, I find this to be outrageous,” Gascón said in an interview. “This is the third time, in the last three years, that we have outside courts relocating sexually violent predators into LA County — specifically in the Antelope Valley.”
In 2000, Hubbart was committed to the Department of State Hospitals under California’s 1996 Sexually Violent Predator law. His previous release in 2014 ended in a return to custody in 2016 for violating conditions. The Department of State Hospitals has recommended his conditional release once more, which has sparked renewed controversy and concern.
Community Stands Firm
The proposed release location at 28800 Cruthers Creek Road in Juniper Hills has drawn ire from local authorities and the public. Antelope Valley residents, along with district officials, insist this area lacks adequate safeguards and resources to monitor a sex offender of Hubbart’s notoriety. Public facilities continue to serve as platforms for the community’s outcry, with many planning to attend the hearing remotely to ensure their voices are heard.
“I stand by this community’s calls on the Los Angeles Superior Court and the Department of State Hospitals to find a different setting and pledge my full support. We cannot allow our rural communities in the Antelope Valley to be magnets for housing sexually violent predators. That’s simply unacceptable,” Barger said in a statement released on Wednesday.
With community meetings and protests planned, local leaders and residents remain united in their resolve to prevent the release of Christopher Hubbart into their neighborhoods, ensuring public safety is the utmost priority.
