Mitchell Gaff pleads guilty to two 1980s cold case murders

Gaff admits to killing Judy Weaver and Susan Vesey in separate incidents decades ago

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh flash of a camera captures the grim reality of a decades-old cold case finally brought to justice.Everett Today

Mitchell Gaff pled guilty this morning in Snohomish County Superior Court to two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree for the killings of Judy Weaver in 1984 and Susan Vesey in 1980. Gaff was arrested in 2024 and charged with Weaver's murder, and was later charged with Vesey's murder in March 2026 after new DNA evidence linked him to both cold cases.

Why it matters

These guilty pleas bring closure to two long-unsolved homicides from the 1980s in Everett, Washington. The case highlights the importance of advancements in forensic science and DNA technology in helping law enforcement solve even decades-old crimes.

The details

On June 2, 1984, Judy Weaver was found murdered in her home on Rucker Ave after the Everett Fire Department responded to a report of fire there. On July 12, 1980, the morning after her 21st birthday, Susan Vesey was found murdered in her home by her husband Ken Vesey. Gaff provided statements in both homicides, admitting to his crimes in open court, and the details he provided were consistent with the police investigations.

  • On June 2, 1984, Judy Weaver was found murdered in her home.
  • On July 12, 1980, Susan Vesey was found murdered in her home.
  • In May 2024, Gaff was arrested and booked by the Everett Police Department for the murder of Judy Weaver.
  • On March 13, 2026, Gaff was additionally charged with the murder of Susan Vesey.
  • On April 16, 2026, Gaff pled guilty to two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree.

The players

Mitchell Gaff

The suspect who pled guilty to two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree for the killings of Judy Weaver in 1984 and Susan Vesey in 1980.

Judy Weaver

The victim who was found murdered in her home on Rucker Ave in Everett, Washington on June 2, 1984.

Susan Vesey

The victim who was found murdered in her home in Everett, Washington on July 12, 1980, the morning after her 21st birthday.

Ken Vesey

The husband of Susan Vesey, who found her murdered body in their home.

Everett Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested and booked Mitchell Gaff in 2024 for the murder of Judy Weaver, and later charged him with the murder of Susan Vesey in 2026.

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What’s next

Gaff's sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026 at 1:00pm.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of advancements in forensic science and DNA technology in helping law enforcement solve even decades-old crimes. The guilty pleas provide closure for the victims' families and the Everett community after these cold cases remained unsolved for over 40 years.