Man convicted over 30 years after raping 2 women at gunpoint in Framingham store

Stephen Paul Gale, 73, evaded police for decades until his capture in 2024 through DNA evidence

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:39am

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A 73-year-old man has been convicted of multiple rape charges for sexually assaulting two retail workers at gunpoint in a Framingham store in 1989. Stephen Paul Gale evaded police for over three decades until his capture in 2024 through the use of DNA technology and investigative genetic genealogy.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of advancements in DNA technology and investigative techniques in solving long-unsolved crimes, even decades later. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to bring closure to victims and hold offenders accountable, even after many years have passed.

The details

In 1989, Gale entered a Framingham Hit or Miss store as the two victims, aged 18 and 29, were opening for the day. Gale pulled a gun on them, forced them to the back of the store, and instructed one to take money from the safe and register while the other locked the doors. He then coerced the victims to remove their clothing, confined them in separate rooms, and raped both of them at gunpoint. The women eventually escaped out the back door. Police developed a DNA profile at the time but were unable to identify a suspect. In 2022, authorities used investigative genetic genealogy to link Gale to the crime, and he was arrested in 2024 after leading police on an 82-minute car chase in Los Angeles.

  • On December 27, 1989, Gale committed the crimes at the Framingham store.
  • In 2022, Framingham police signed a contract with Parabon Nanolabs to investigate the case using investigative genetic genealogy.
  • In May 2024, Gale was identified as a suspect.
  • In August 2024, Gale was arrested in Los Angeles after a lengthy car chase.
  • On March 25, 2026, Gale was convicted of the crimes.

The players

Stephen Paul Gale

A 73-year-old man who was convicted of multiple rape charges for sexually assaulting two retail workers at gunpoint in a Framingham store in 1989. Gale evaded police for over three decades until his capture in 2024.

Marian Ryan

The Middlesex County District Attorney who announced Gale's conviction.

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What they’re saying

“Despite all of the effort devoted to this case when it occurred, the technology simply did not exist to identify the perpetrator. Those advances in technology, coupled with the persistence of all involved brought us to today.”

— Marian Ryan, Middlesex County District Attorney

“For those still waiting for answers, our commitment remains clear: we will revisit the past, pursue every lead, and continue to seek answers. When a crime occurs here we do not forget and we do not give up.”

— Marian Ryan, Middlesex County District Attorney

What’s next

Gale is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the power of advancements in DNA technology and investigative techniques to solve long-cold cases, even decades later. It also highlights the importance of perseverance and commitment from law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims, no matter how much time has passed.