Baltimore County Authorities Close Decades-Old Sexual Assault Cases

1,400+ cases reviewed as part of GBMC Slides Project, leading to 49 convictions

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office has secured 49 criminal convictions based on evidence collected between 1977 and 1997 as part of the GBMC Slides Project, a program reviewing decades-old sexual assault evidence preserved by a pioneering doctor. Authorities have completed a preliminary review of more than 1,400 cases and are now partnering with GBMC on a new initiative to notify and support survivors.

Why it matters

The GBMC Slides Project highlights the importance of preserving evidence, even decades later, to bring justice to survivors of sexual assault. It also demonstrates the dedication of Baltimore County authorities to identify and hold perpetrators accountable, no matter how much time has passed. The new partnership with GBMC aims to provide trauma-informed support and resources to survivors as part of this ongoing effort.

The details

In 1973, Dr. Rudiger Breitenecker, an emergency room doctor at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, took it upon himself to preserve sexual assault evidence dating back decades. Now, through the GBMC Slides Project, the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office has secured 49 criminal convictions based on this evidence. Detectives have completed a preliminary review of more than 1,400 sexual assault cases as part of the project, and in August 2023, evidence from the GBMC Slides Project assisted in the arrest of a 73-year-old suspect.

  • In 1973, Dr. Rudiger Breitenecker began preserving sexual assault evidence at GBMC.
  • Between 1977 and 1997, the evidence collected by Dr. Breitenecker was used to secure 49 criminal convictions.
  • In August 2023, evidence from the GBMC Slides Project led to the arrest of a 73-year-old suspect.
  • The Baltimore County Police Department has completed a preliminary review of more than 1,400 sexual assault cases as part of the GBMC Slides Project.

The players

Dr. Rudiger Breitenecker

An emergency room doctor at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center who took it upon himself to preserve sexual assault evidence dating back decades, laying the groundwork for the GBMC Slides Project.

Scott Shellenberger

The Baltimore County State's Attorney who praised Dr. Breitenecker's foresight and the work of the GBMC Slides Project in securing 49 criminal convictions.

Robert McCullough

The Baltimore County Police Chief who highlighted the department's dedication to identifying and holding perpetrators accountable through the GBMC Slides Project.

Paari Gopalakrishnan

The GBMC HealthCare President and CEO who announced a new partnership between GBMC and the Baltimore County Police Department to support survivors through a trauma-informed approach.

James Shipe Sr.

A 73-year-old suspect who was identified and arrested in August 2023 thanks to evidence from the GBMC Slides Project.

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What they’re saying

“Dr. Breitenecker was a doctor truly ahead of his time. Because of his foresight, many guilty defendants received the punishment they deserved.”

— Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore County State's Attorney (wbal.com)

“The GBMC Slide Project speaks to the Baltimore County Police Department's dedication to identifying those responsible and ensuring they are held accountable for their actions, regardless of how much time has passed.”

— Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Chief (wbal.com)

“This initiative builds on the collaboration of a wide network of advocates, health care providers, law enforcement partners, and philanthropic supporters who share a commitment to ensuring survivors receive coordinated care and access to resources.”

— Paari Gopalakrishnan, GBMC HealthCare President and CEO (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Baltimore County Police Department is continuing its relationship with GBMC and has announced a new partnership with the health care group to assist with sexual assault survivor outreach. The program will use a trauma-informed approach to notify and support survivors who received care at GBMC between 1977 and 1997.

The takeaway

The GBMC Slides Project demonstrates the importance of preserving evidence, even decades later, to bring justice to survivors of sexual assault. It also highlights the dedication of Baltimore County authorities to identify and hold perpetrators accountable, no matter how much time has passed. The new partnership with GBMC aims to provide much-needed support and resources to survivors as part of this ongoing effort.