Report: Suspected Golden State Killer Joseph DeAngelo was arrested, then released by Sacramento police in 1996

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Joseph DeAngeleo, better known as the suspected Golden State Killer , was arrested back in 1996 by Sacramento police and later let go.

DeAngelo was a suspect in a gas station robbery, but the charges were ultimately dismissed.

TIMELINE: A look back at the Golden State Killer's crime spree that lasted a decade

He was arrested last April after investigators used DNA evidence to link him to a crime scene.

He is accused of at least 13 murders and numerous sexual assaults dating back to the 1970's.

ABC7 PRESENTS: Chasing the Golden State Killer

ABC7 PRESENTS: 'Chasing the Golden State Killer' (1 of 3)

Click here for more stories on the Golden State Killer case.

GOLDEN STATE KILLER: RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS

• PARALLEL PATHS: Tracking Joseph James DeAngelo and the Golden State Killer
• WHO IS HE: The life and history Joseph DeAngelo, the alleged Golden State Killer
• 'I hate you Bonnie' Golden State Killer's rage could have been linked to ex
• Local sleuths, inspired by crime writer, aimed to solve Golden State Killer case
• TIMELINE: A look back at the Golden State Killer's crime spree that lasted a decade
• WHO IS HE: The life and history of the 'Golden State Killer'
• Local sleuths, inspired by crime writer, aimed to solve 'Golden State Killer' case
• 'I hate you Bonnie' Golden State Killer's rage could have been linked to ex
• Former Irvine mom speaks out 32 years after daughter was murdered by 'Golden State Killer'
• Report: Suspected 'Golden State Killer' may have had an accomplice
• 'Golden State Killer' suspect once planned to kill ex-police chief who fired him
• Judge rules more evidence may be collected in 'Golden State Killer' case
• VIDEO: What we know about suspected 'Golden State Killer'
• 'Horrific man:' Suspected 'Golden State Killer' begins court proceedings
• 'Golden State Killers' past and present in Sacramento jars neighbors
• Suspected 'Golden State Killer' appears in Sacramento County Court for 1st time
• Visalia detective came face to face with 'Visalia Ransacker' serial killer in 1975
• Daughter of 'Golden State Killer' victim speaks out
• Visalia Ransacker's victim speaks out for the very first time
• Forensic psychologist examines mind of accused 'Golden State Killer'
• FROM THE ARCHIVE: 'Golden State Killer' terrorizes Concord in 1978
• FROM THE ARCHIVE: 'Golden State Killer' investigation moves to Walnut Creek in 1979
• 'Golden State Killer's' past, present in Sacramento jars neighbors
• Suspected 'Golden State Killer' arrested in Northern California