Unsolved 1992 Murder Linked to Infamous Oregon Serial Killer

New forensic evidence connects the killing of Elizabeth Wasson to convicted murderer Cesar Barone.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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After three decades, the 1992 murder of 82-year-old Elizabeth Wasson has been linked to notorious Oregon serial killer Cesar Barone. Wasson, a pillar of her community, was found dead in her home, but the case went unsolved until 2023 when a detective reexamined the evidence and found male DNA that matched Barone, who was convicted of killing four women in the early 1990s.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of cold case investigations and the use of advancing forensic technology to solve long-standing mysteries. It also provides closure for Wasson's family, who had lived without answers for decades.

The details

In September 1992, Elizabeth Wasson, the widow of a pastor, was found murdered in her home. At the time, police did not have enough evidence to identify a suspect. In 2023, Hillsboro police detective Megan Townsend reexamined the case and submitted evidence for testing, which uncovered male DNA that matched Cesar Barone, a serial killer convicted of murdering four women in the early 1990s.

  • On September 23, 1992, Elizabeth Wasson was found murdered in her home.
  • In 2023, Hillsboro police detective Megan Townsend reexamined the case and submitted evidence for testing.

The players

Elizabeth Wasson

An 82-year-old widow of a pastor and a pillar of her community.

Cesar Barone

An infamous Oregon serial killer convicted of murdering four women in the early 1990s.

Megan Townsend

A Hillsboro police detective who reexamined the Wasson case in 2023.

Kevin Barton

The Washington County District Attorney.

Allison Brown

A deputy district attorney in Washington County.

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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.”

— Megan Townsend, Hillsboro police detective (ksn.com)

“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.”

— Kevin Barton, Washington County District Attorney (ksn.com)

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate any other unsolved cases that may be connected to Cesar Barone.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of persistent cold case investigations and the power of modern forensic technology to uncover long-hidden truths. It provides closure for the Wasson family and sends a message that law enforcement remains committed to solving even the oldest unsolved crimes.