Rapist who admitted to sexually assaulted at least 100 women is set to be released

Christopher Hubbart, known as the “Pillowcase Rapist” for admitting to sexually assaulting over 100 women, is set to be released from a California state hospital into Los Angeles County, despite violating the terms of his first release nearly a decade ago.

Now 73, Hubbart’s release is scheduled for an address in the Antelope Valley, about 80 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, pending a court hearing on October 1.

Hubbart’s impending release has sparked outrage, with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and local officials opposing his placement in the Antelope Valley.

“Continuing to release sexually violent predators into underserved communities like the Antelope Valley is both irresponsible and unjust,” Gascón said, emphasizing the need for alternative locations.

Hubbart’s criminal history dates back to 1972 when he was convicted of raping 14 women. He earned the moniker “Pillowcase Rapist” for using pillowcases to muffle his victims’ screams.

After being paroled in 1983, Hubbart committed 10 more rapes in the San Jose area before being apprehended again. In total, Hubbart admitted to raping more than 100 women across California between 1971 and 1983, including 26 victims in Los Angeles County.

Despite his history of violent sexual crimes, Hubbart was conditionally released in 2014, but he was soon returned to the Department of State Hospitals for violating the terms of his release after failing five lie detector tests regarding his thoughts and fantasies.

In 2021, the Department recommended his release once again, but no explanation was provided as to why, citing privacy laws.

City officials in Palmdale, near where Hubbart is proposed to live, have voiced strong objections. Palmdale Mayor Austin Bishop expressed concern over the fear his presence would instill in the community.

“The only place this dangerous criminal belongs is in confinement,” Bishop stated, pledging to oppose his release.

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The community’s anxiety is palpable, with residents recalling the trauma from Hubbart’s previous release. One woman, a survivor of rape at age 14, said, “It’s very terrifying… We can’t have him around here because he will take off again and he will rape again.”