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Joan Gianera death by force case profile photo

Joan Gianera

Case from Santa Cruz, CA dated Jan 25, 1973

Victim Details

Joan Gianera

Female

Santa Cruz

CA

1973-01-25

21

Joan

Gianera

07/17/2026

Case Description

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Joan Katherine Foster Gianera, a 21-year-old Austrian woman, was tragically murdered on January 25, 1973, in Santa Cruz, California. Joan was married to Jim Ralph Gianera, and the couple lived on Western Drive in Santa Cruz. On that fateful day, both Joan and Jim were brutally attacked in their home by Herbert Mullin, a serial killer who terrorized the region during the early 1970s. Mullin, who had been a high school classmate of Jim, entered their residence and proceeded to shoot and stab both ...
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Links to Additional Sources (5)

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  • Serial killer who said he killed to ward off earthquakes dies at 75
  • Mentally Ill, but Sane? — Herb Mullin - Crime Library
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    Forum Posts (2)

    I recently came across an old newspaper article discussing the devastating impact the murders had on... ...Read More
    10/05/2023
    Reading about Joan and Jim Gianera, I've been struck by the randomness of Mullin's attacks. It's jus... ...Read More
    05/05/2023
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