Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt: Advocate for Michelle McNamara’s Legacy

Patton Oswalt is an American comedian, actor, and writer who became a significant figure in the context of the Golden State Killer case through his personal connection to true crime author Michelle McNamara. Born on January 27, 1969, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Oswalt has built a successful career in entertainment, known for roles in television series like "The King of Queens" and voice acting in films such as "Ratatouille." However, his involvement in the Golden State Killer investigation stems from his marriage to McNamara, whose obsessive research into the serial offender—later identified as Joseph DeAngelo—became a defining part of her life and legacy.

Role in "I'll Be Gone in the Dark"

Oswalt was married to Michelle McNamara from 2005 until her sudden death in April 2016. McNamara had spent years investigating the Golden State Killer, a serial rapist and murderer responsible for at least 13 murders and over 50 rapes in California between 1974 and 1986. Her work culminated in the manuscript for "I'll Be Gone in the Dark," a detailed account of the case and her personal journey to uncover the killer’s identity. At the time of her death, the book remained unfinished. Determined to honor her dedication, Oswalt collaborated with researcher Paul Haynes and journalist Billy Jensen to complete the manuscript. The book was published in February 2018, just two months before Joseph DeAngelo’s arrest on April 24, 2018, following a breakthrough using forensic genealogy.

Oswalt has publicly emphasized McNamara’s relentless pursuit of justice, noting that her research and writing helped maintain public and law enforcement interest in the decades-old cold case. While the direct impact of the book on DeAngelo’s capture remains a point of discussion, Oswalt has highlighted how McNamara’s efforts contributed to the broader narrative surrounding the investigation, keeping the pressure on authorities to solve the crimes.

Personal Connection and Public Advocacy

As McNamara’s husband, Oswalt became a vocal advocate for her work after her passing. He has spoken extensively in interviews about her commitment to the Golden State Killer case, often describing her late-night research sessions and her determination to give a voice to the victims. Oswalt’s efforts to ensure the publication of "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" not only preserved McNamara’s legacy but also brought renewed attention to the case at a critical time. His role as a public figure amplified the book’s reach, contributing to its status as a bestseller and its adaptation into an HBO documentary series in 2020. Through his advocacy, Oswalt remains a key figure linking McNamara’s personal mission to the eventual identification and arrest of Joseph DeAngelo.