The Hillside Strangler premieres on MGM+ this January
January 8, 2026
In the late 1970s, Los Angeles was the serial murder capital of the world: The Freeway Killers; The Toolbox Killers; The Dating Game Killer; The Skid Row Slasher. But none terrorised this city of millions more than the Hillside Strangler, a phantom who struck without warning, abducting, raping and murdering a dozen women and girls and leaving their bodies displayed on the hillsides like grim trophies. These crimes sparked the largest manhunt in LA’s blood-soaked history, led by a relentless homicide detective named Frank Salerno. His dogged pursuit led to the strangler’s capture and the revelation that these vicious acts were perpetrated by two men, Kenneth Bianchi and his cousin Angelo Buono.
After the longest criminal trial in US history, both were sentenced to life in prison, and Salerno’s work became legend. It was the case that defined his career and set him on the path to later bring down the Night Stalker.
Now, for the first time in over 40 years, Salerno tells his story, revisiting the case that changed him forever. But he isn’t the only one ready to talk. Angelo Buono died behind bars in 2002, but Kenneth Bianchi is alive in prison and has never been willing to share his story on camera—until now.