Infamous Serial Killer Linked to 1992 Cold Case Murder

DNA evidence connects Cesar Barone to the unsolved killing of Elizabeth Wasson in Hillsboro, Oregon

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Washington County District Attorney's Office's Cold Case Unit, in partnership with the Hillsboro Police Department, has linked infamous serial killer Cesar Barone to the previously unsolved 1992 murder of Hillsboro resident Elizabeth Wasson. Mrs. Wasson, an 82-year-old beloved community member known as the neighborhood Avon Lady, was found murdered in her home in 1992. Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case went unsolved for more than three decades until a recent review of the evidence led to a forensic DNA match to Barone, who was convicted of four other murders and died in prison in 2009.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of cold case investigations and the use of advanced forensic techniques to solve long-unsolved crimes. It also provides closure for the Wasson family and the Hillsboro community after decades of unanswered questions about her murder.

The details

In 2023, Hillsboro Police Department Detective Megan Townsend reexamined the investigation into Mrs. Wasson's murder, submitting physical evidence collected at the murder scene to the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory for additional testing. Technicians discovered male DNA on the submitted material, which forensically linked Mr. Barone to Mrs. Wasson's murder. Barone was previously considered a suspect in the case, but detectives were unable to directly link him to the crime at the time.

  • Elizabeth Wasson was found murdered in her home on September 23, 1992.
  • In 1995, Cesar Barone was convicted of the murder of four women and sentenced to death.
  • Barone died while in prison in 2009.
  • In 2023, Detective Megan Townsend reexamined the investigation and submitted evidence for additional forensic testing.
  • The DNA evidence linking Barone to Wasson's murder was discovered in 2023.

The players

Elizabeth Wasson

An 82-year-old Hillsboro resident who was beloved by friends and family and known as the neighborhood Avon Lady.

Cesar Barone

An infamous serial killer who was convicted of the murder of four women and sentenced to death in 1995. He also sexually assaulted and strangled three other women who survived the attacks.

Detective Megan Townsend

A Hillsboro Police Department detective who reexamined the investigation into Elizabeth Wasson's murder in 2023 and submitted evidence for additional forensic testing.

Kevin Barton

The Washington County District Attorney who praised the work of the Cold Case Unit and expressed a commitment to delivering justice for victims and their loved ones.

Allison Brown

The Chief Deputy District Attorney who stated that while many years have passed, the office remains dedicated to delivering justice for victims and their loved ones.

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What they’re saying

“For years, this family lived without answers. Today, we're finally able to give them the truth they deserved from the beginning. Our thoughts remain with them, and we honor the life of Elizabeth Wasson by ensuring this case is no longer left in silence.”

— Detective Megan Townsend (portlandobserver.com)

“While many years have passed, we hope this result brings some closure to the victim's family and to the community. This office remains dedicated to delivering justice for victims and their loved ones, no matter how much time has passed.”

— Chief Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown (portlandobserver.com)

“I'm proud of the amazing work our cold case investigators and prosecutors have done on these incredibly important cases. With every cold case solved, we are sending a message to victims and their families that they are not forgotten. We look forward to continuing to do this work and hope to solve more cases.”

— Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton (portlandobserver.com)

What’s next

The Cold Case Unit will continue to investigate other unsolved violent crimes in the region, using advanced forensic techniques and dedicated resources to provide closure for victims' families.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of persistent and innovative cold case investigations, as well as the power of modern forensic science to uncover long-buried evidence and bring justice to victims and their loved ones, even decades after a crime has been committed.