Rapist Pleads Guilty in 2 Cold Case Murders

DNA evidence from an old razor solves 41-year-old cold cases in California

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a worn, rusted razor blade against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of investigative intensity through the stark lighting and gritty texture.DNA evidence from a decades-old razor blade helps solve two cold case murders, exposing the grim realities of violent crime's long shadow.Washington Today

After more than 40 years, DNA evidence has linked the unsolved rape and murder of two California women to a man who died in prison. A Washington rapist has pleaded guilty to the two cold case murders after the DNA match was made.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of modern DNA forensics to solve even decades-old violent crimes, providing closure for victims' families and potentially preventing future offenses by serial criminals. However, it also raises questions about how such cold cases are prioritized and investigated over time.

The details

The details provided by the perpetrator were consistent with the determinations of the police investigations into the two unsolved murders that occurred in California over 40 years ago. The DNA match was made after investigators were able to obtain a sample from an old razor that belonged to the now-deceased suspect.

  • The two murders occurred over 41 years ago in California.
  • The DNA evidence linking the crimes was obtained recently.

The players

Washington Rapist

A man who has pleaded guilty to the two cold case murders in California after being linked to the crimes through DNA evidence.

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What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate whether the perpetrator may have been involved in any other unsolved crimes during his lifetime.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of preserving DNA evidence, even from decades-old crimes, as advancements in forensic technology can still uncover vital clues and bring closure to victims' families years later.