Residents of Littlerock in the Antelope Valley are rallying against the potential relocation of Christopher Hubbart, known as the “Pillowcase Rapist,” to their community. Hubbart’s potential move, along with two other violent sexual predators in 2021, has sparked outrage among the local population. L.A. County Superior Court Judge Robert Harrison is currently deliberating on whether to approve the relocation, while opposition from area residents, including kindergarten teacher Cynthia Farrow, has been mounting.
The Antelope Valley has long been labeled a “dumping ground for sex offenders,” with a significant number of registered sex offenders residing in the area. Despite efforts by California state Sen. Scott Wilk to address the issue in 2018, residents argue that little has changed. The recent placement of Calvin Lynn Grassmier and Lawtis Donald Rhoden, both convicted sex offenders, has further fueled concerns about the influx of violent sexual predators into the community.
Christopher Hubbart, infamous for his brutal attacks on women in the 1970s, was initially released in 2014 but violated the terms of his release and was sent back to a state hospital. In 2022, a court recommended another chance for conditional release, leading to the current search for a suitable home. Hubbart’s potential placement in Juniper Hills has caused distress among residents like Diane Swick, who fear for their safety and the impact on their community’s recovery from recent wildfires.
Residents like Farrow and Swick have been actively opposing the relocation, attending court hearings, writing petitions, and raising community awareness. They argue that the Antelope Valley should not bear the burden of housing violent sexual predators, especially considering the area’s low population density and the potential risks to public safety.
