Convicted Rapist Christopher Hubbart Granted Conditional Release, LA County to Decide Placement

Christopher Hubbart, infamously known as the "Pillowcase Rapist," has been granted conditional release from the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) by a ruling from the Santa Clara County Superior Court, despite strong objections from Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. A hearing to finalize Hubbart's specific placement is scheduled for October.

Hubbart, who has confessed to raping 100 women, will be returned to Los Angeles County, where he was born and raised. His history of reoffending after each arrest, along with other crimes such as taking a woman hostage and tampering with his ankle monitor, has fueled concerns about his release.

In March 2023, the Santa Clara Superior Court approved Hubbart's conditional release, designating Los Angeles County as his residence. The responsibility for determining his exact housing location now falls to the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The DSH, in collaboration with Liberty Healthcare, is working to find a suitable placement for Hubbart. Current recommendations suggest the Antelope Valley, a proposal that has sparked significant controversy.

District Attorney Gascón has criticized the potential placement, stating, “Releasing sexually violent predators into underserved areas like the Antelope Valley is both irresponsible and unjust. Our office will continue to oppose Mr. Hubbart’s placement in this community and will advocate for alternative locations that better serve public safety.”

Hubbart was convicted of multiple rapes and sex crimes in 1973, 1982, and 1990 in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties. He was committed to the DSH in 2000 under the Sexually Violent Predator Act following a civil commitment request by the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office.

The hearing to determine Hubbart’s placement will be held on October 1 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 113 at the Hollywood Courthouse.