Judge Approves Antelope Valley Placement for ‘Pillowcase Rapist’

LOS ANGELES—A judge has ruled that the Pillowcase Rapist, a sexually violent predator named Christopher Hubbart, will be allowed to live in Juniper Hills, despite opposition from residents, prosecutors, and county Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Hubbart, now 74, was ordered to be released from a state hospital by a judge in Santa Clara County, leading to the decision on his housing location in Juniper Hills, south of Pearblossom.

Residents and elected officials raised concerns about two other sexually violent predators previously being placed in the Antelope Valley. However, Judge Robert Harrison approved the Juniper Hills placement after a final hearing in Hollywood.

The judge considered the suitability of the proposed location for Hubbart’s conditional release and disregarded previous placements of other predators in nearby areas. No alternative placements were suggested by any agency.

Another hearing will be scheduled to review any necessary modifications to the site and conditional release plan.

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Hubbart, known for a series of rapes and sex crimes, was convicted multiple times in L.A. County and northern California. He was committed to the Department of State Hospitals in 2000 as a sexually violent predator. Hubbart’s release in 2014 to a Palmdale-area home was short-lived due to violations, leading to his re-commitment to a state hospital.

Judge Harrison emphasized that Hubbart will be closely monitored with a GPS bracelet, participation in a structured program, and spot inspections. Non-compliance will result in his release being revoked.

County Supervisor Barger expressed outrage at the decision, stating that Hubbart does not belong in the community and should be in a secure facility. District Attorney Gascón also objected to the placement, calling it inappropriate and irresponsible to release predators into under-served communities.