Pearblossom, California – A convicted sexually violent predator known as the “Pillowcase Rapist” has been released once again into the Antelope Valley, igniting public outrage and concerns over community safety.
Christopher Hubbart, whose criminal history includes multiple violent sexual assaults spanning decades, was placed at a court-designated housing facility in the Juniper Hill community near Pearblossom on Friday. Hubbart has been convicted of rapes in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties in 1973, 1982, and 1990. His nickname stems from his practice of covering victims’ heads with pillowcases while committing his assaults.
Hubbart had previously lived near Palmdale before being returned to a state hospital for failing to meet the terms of his release. However, in 2023, a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge deemed him suitable for conditional release once again. The Department of State Hospitals subsequently recommended his placement in Los Angeles County.
The release has been met with fierce opposition from local residents and officials alike. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety of the community. “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department opposed this placement during the hearing, highlighting Mr. Hubbart’s criminal history, the seclusion of the rural area, limited cellphone and radio reception, and the absence of sufficient nighttime lighting and surveillance cameras,” the department said.
Enforcement presence has been increased in the surrounding communities of Juniper Hills, Pearblossom, and Littlerock in response to Hubbart’s release. Supervisor Kathryn Barger denounced the decision, calling it “unacceptable.”
“His violent history speaks for itself, and placing him in a remote area with limited law enforcement resources, poor cell service, and insufficient security measures puts residents at unnecessary risk,” Barger stated. She urged residents to remain vigilant and report any concerns to Liberty Healthcare at (800) 331-7122 or via email at [email protected].
Hubbart has admitted to raping 40 women. He was first committed to Atascadero State Hospital in 1972 after being deemed a “mentally disordered sex offender.” Despite doctors later asserting that he was no longer a threat, he went on to commit at least 15 more rapes after his release. He was repeatedly imprisoned, designated as a sexually violent predator in 1996, and later placed in Coalinga State Hospital.
District Attorney George Gascón also criticized the decision to release Hubbart back into the Antelope Valley. “Continuing to release sexually violent predators into underserved communities like the Antelope Valley is both irresponsible and unjust,” Gascón said. “Repeatedly placing these individuals in the same community shows a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Hubbart’s previous release in Palmdale in 2014 led to protests, with residents demanding his removal. He was later returned to custody for violating his conditional release terms. Under the conditions of his latest release, Hubbart is required to wear an ankle monitor, attend therapy, and report quarterly to a judge. However, officials and residents remain deeply concerned about the risk he poses to the community.
