Palmdale City Leaders Appalled at Release of Convicted Rapist to Nearby Community

PALMDALE, CA - The City of Palmdale has been informed that convicted serial rapist Christopher Hubbart will be housed in the neighboring community of Juniper Hills per the Los Angeles Superior Court's decision. Palmdale City leaders are furious and frustrated as residents of the Antelope Valley's comments fell on deaf ears.

"This decision is unacceptable and a slap in the face to every person who voiced their opinion on this matter; to say that I am outraged is an understatement," said Mayor Austin Bishop. "The entire process was a sham: from the initial decision made in Santa Clara to the hearing being placed outside of the Antelope Valley, it was clear there was never any intention to listen to our voices. Christopher Hubbart has been convicted in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties for a series of at least 40 rapes and other sex crimes and placing him in our community endangers our residents."

Hubbart, also known as the Pillowcase Rapist, used pillowcases to muffle the screams of his victims. He was previously housed in the same vicinity in 2014, only to be swiftly reincarcerated for violating the terms of his release. It is clear that this process has not worked in the past, and yet, the Los Angeles Superior Court's decision blatantly turns its back on the people of the Antelope Valley.

"Our community's opinions, beliefs and well-being are being completely ignored as this is the third sexually violent predator to be placed in the area," voiced Mayor Pro Tem Richard Loa. "The Los Angeles Superior Court's decision reinforces the notion that the people who make the rules for citizens never have to face the consequences. The court, in its ruling, appears to have ignored that this violent sexual predator violated parole and was returned to prison. Now, the judge has ruled that this repeat offender is released into our community, putting our women at great risk. This should never have been a discussion; he should have remained incarcerated. The people of the Antelope Valley will not forget this come election time."

The City is filled with indignation by the Los Angeles Superior Court's decision, which will directly endanger the women and families in Juniper Hills and the greater Antelope Valley.