SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The trial of an alleged California serial killer could cost taxpayers $20 million.
A Sacramento County official said Wednesday the county is asking the state to help pay.
Suspect Joseph DeAngelo is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for a routine proceeding. The trial is months away from beginning.
The 73-year-old DeAngelo faces 26 charges related to 13 murders and 13 rapes across six counties in the 1970s and 80s. Authorities said in April that his arrest brought an end to one of California's most frustrating cold cases.
The estimated $20 million includes DeAngelo's prosecution and defense.
He is currently being represented by a public defender.
