California authorities used genetic websites in 2017, misidentified Oregon man as possible suspect

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Investigators trying to hunt down the so-called Golden State Killer used information from genetic websites a year ago and misidentified an elderly Oregon man as a possible suspect.

Court records obtained by The Associated Press show that in March 2017 investigators in Clackamas County, Oregon, convinced a judge to order the 73-year-old man to provide a DNA sample.

VIDEO: CoCo County Investigator Paul Holes is '100 percent sure' they have 'Golden State Killer'

Investigator Paul Holes is '100 percent sure' they have 'Golden State Killer' (1 of 15)

The documents said they used a genetic profile based off DNA from crime scenes linked to the serial killer and compared it to information from genealogical websites. They created a family tree and used public records to identify the Oregon man.

Investigators also cited a rare genetic marker, which the Oregon man shared with the killer, to get the judge to issue the order.

VIDEO: Forensic psychologist examines mind of accused 'Golden State Killer'

Forensic psychologist examines mind of accused 'Golden State Killer' (1 of 17)

Earlier this week, police say they arrested the right man for a dozen killings and 50 rapes from 1976 to 1986. He is Joseph DeAngelo, a 72-year-old former police officer who lived in the Sacramento area.

FROM THE ARCHIVE: 'Golden State Killer' investigation moves to Walnut Creek in 1978

The 'Golden State Killer' case may have just been solved in 2018, but if these videos from our archive show any indication of the terror he inflicted on the Bay Area, the investigation is just beginning.

Click here for more stories, photos, and video on the Golden State Killer.