Case Summaries
Sexual Assault Kit CODIS Hits (testing funded by SAKI)
State v. Halvorson
In 2004, a woman in Spokane reported to police that she was violently raped by an unidentified man. A SAK was collected, but not submitted for testing. The SAK was included in the AGO’s 2018 SAKI inventory; SAKI funded DNA testing. In August 2021, a DNA profile from the SAK matched to Scott Halvorson. Halvorson was a sexually violent predator (SVP) the AGO committed to the Special Commitment Center (SCC) in 2014. He has a long history of sexual assaults in the Spokane area. Trial on the 2004 rape is set for May 6, 2024.
State v. Carpenter
In April 1994, a SAK was collected from a victim who reported a rape to the Spokane Police Department (SPD). The suspect was known; the defense was consent. The case was never charged and the SAK was not submitted for testing. In 2018, the SAK was included in AGO SAKI inventory; SAKI funded DNA testing. Results were reported in September 2022— there was no suspect name, but a “case-to-case” match. The DNA profile matched the DNA profile of an unidentified suspect in a 1979 cold case homicide in Lake Tahoe, California. The Washington State Patrol Crime Lab connected California law enforcement with SPD, who provided the identity of their suspect in the uncharged 1994 rape case. On March 1, 2023, Harold Carpenter was charged in California with murder.
State v. Munoz-Hernandez
On June 24, 2006, a woman was outside her residence in Centralia, Washington when a man came out from behind a nearby shed and forced her back into her home. The man shoved her onto a bed in a bedroom and forcibly raped her. After the man left, the woman went to the hospital and underwent a sexual assault exam. During the AGO’s SAKI inventory in 2018, the sexual assault kit was reported as unsubmitted. It was subsequently submitted for testing in October 2022. A DNA profile was identified and, in June 2023, matched to the CODIs DNA profile of Pablo Munoz-Hernandez. On January 9, 2024, Munoz-Hernandez was convicted of Second Degree Rape by a judge at a stipulated trial. On February 7, 2024, he was sentenced to 102 months confinement.
SAKI funded Forensic Genetic Genealogy
State v. Bieker
In 2003, a 17-year-old girl was abducted and raped by a stranger in McCleary, Grays Harbor County. The Victim was able to escape. A SAK was collected and submitted for testing. There was no match in CODIS.
In 2020, the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office used SAKI funds to hire genetic genealogist who connected the DNA profile to three brothers, one of whom, Paul Bieker, lived in McCleary at the time of the rape.
In December 2020, police covertly followed Bieker and retrieved a coffee cup he discarded. The DNA profile on the cup matched the DNA profile from the SAK.
On June 3, 2022, Bieker was found guilty at trial of First Degree Rape with deliberate cruelty. On July 8, 2022, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
State v Downing
In 2003, a man broke into a home in Pullman and threatened a woman at gunpoint and sexually assaulted her. In 2004, a man broke into a different apartment, where two women were inside. The man, who had a gun, tied up one roommate and raped the other. SAKs were collected and submitted for testing. There were no matches in CODIS. Pullman Police used SAKI funds to hire a genetic genealogist who connected the DNA profile to two brothers in the Spokane area. Based on suspect descriptions and other research, police identified Kenneth Downing. Spokane Police followed Downing to a restaurant in Spokane and obtained items he touched. The DNA on the items matched the DNA from SAKs. On July 8, 2022, Downing pleaded guilty to four counts of rape in the first degree and one count of assault in the second degree with sexual motivation. On August 19, 2022 he was sentenced to 238 months-life in prison.
Murder of Patricia Barnes
In 1995 Patricia Barnes was shot twice in the head, stuffed into a sleeping bag, and dumped in a rural area in Kitsap County. The case went cold. In 2018, the Kitsap County sheriff’s Office reopened the case and submitted evidence collected in 1995 for DNA analysis using modern techniques, which identified the DNA profile of the perpetrator. The profile was not in CODIS. Genetic genealogy paid for with SAKI funds identified the name of the perpetrator, Douglas Krohne, who had a violent criminal history including kidnapping. Law enforcement confirmed that Krohne is deceased and the case was closed as solved.
Murder and Rape of Krisann Baxter
A 45 year old homicide and rape cold case was solved using SAKI funded FGG.
Sixteen year old Krisann Baxter’s body was found in Spokane, Washington on October 4, 1978. DNA samples were collected during the autopsy and sent to the WSP Crime Lab, but DNA analysis could not be completed due to testing limitations at the time.
In 2006, the samples were sent back to the crime lab for more testing. The results showed that DNA profiles consistent with Krisann Baxter and an “unknown male” were present.
In 2020, the samples were again submitted to the crime lab for additional testing, then to Othram, Inc. for SAKI funded FGG. Othram genealogists identified potential relatives of the suspect. Ultimately, Keith D. Lindblom, who died in a fire on April 11, 1981 was identified as the suspect. Lindblom’s child provided DNA, which through testing was determined to be a match.
The Spokane County prosecutor determined charges against Lindblom would have been warranted if he was alive.
Sexual Assault Kit CODIS Hits (testing funded by sources other than SAKI)
Spokane County
State v. Ford: In July 2013, a 16 year old girl was sexually assaulted in her garage by a family friend who was living in her family’s backyard. The girl reported the assault to the police and a SAK was collected at the local hospital. The suspect, Robert E. Ford, was arrested but the charges were dismissed and the SAK was not submitted for testing at the time. In 2018, the SAK was inventoried and submitted for testing. DNA from the kit matched to Ford’s profile which had been collected and uploaded to CODIS as a result of a 2007 DV Assault 3 conviction. Police obtained a warrant for a reference sample from Ford. Ford’s DNA profile matched the profile from the SAK. In November 2022, Ford pled guilty to one count of 3rd degree assault and one count of Communicating with a Minor for Immoral Purposes and was sentenced to 60 days jail followed by 12 months of community custody.
State v. Johnson: In August, 2002, a 13 year old girl and friends were at a Spokane County park where 37 year old Richard J. Johnson was sitting in his parked vehicle playing music. The girl and her friends agreed to sit in Johnson’s vehicle with him. Johnson told the friends to leave and raped the girl. After Johnson let her go, the girl reported to the police and went to the hospital where a SAK was collected. The SAK was not submitted for testing at the time. In 2018, the SAK was inventoried and submitted for testing. A profile was obtained from the sample and it matched Johnson’s profile in CODIS that was collected as a result of his Possession of Stolen Property conviction from 2008. In July 2022, Johnson pled guilty to 3rd Degree Rape and was sentenced to 12 months confinement.
State v. Torres: In 2013, an 8 year old boy witnessed his stepfather, Brandon L. Torres, sexually assault Torres’ 3 year old daughter at a park. The boy ran home to tell his mother who came to the park and took the girl to the hospital where a SAK was taken. The accusation was deemed unfounded and the case was closed. The SAK was not submitted for testing at the time. In 2018, the SAK was inventoried and submitted for testing. In 2019, The SAK yielded a DNA profile, but it did not match any profiles in CODIS. Detectives obtained a warrant and took a reference sample from Torres in January 2020. The profile matched the profile from the 2013 SAK. In September 2020, Torres pled guilty to one charge of 2nd Degree Child Rape and was sentenced to 102 months confinement.
State v. Young: In 2007, a woman met a man at a bar and gave him a ride home. After the two arrived and went inside the home, the man attacked the woman with a knife and attempted to rape her. The resulting SAK was included in the 2018 SAKI inventory of unsubmitted kits and submitted for testing in February, 2018. After Eugene Young’s DNA sample was taken as a result of a Theft 2 conviction, in December, 2019, DNA from the kit matched to him. Young pled guilty to Second Degree Assault with Sexual Motivation and received an exceptional sentence of 144 months with a 24 month enhancement.
King County
State v. Bolar: In October 2007, a 14 year old girl was walking on a Seattle sidewalk when a stranger grabbed her and forced her into a yard where he raped her. He then drove her to a home where he and another man held her captive for two days. While there, he beat and raped her multiple times. On the third day, the girl escaped. She sought medical attention and a sexual assault kit (SAK) was collected. The SAK was submitted for testing in August 2016, and in December 2017 tested to yield a DNA profile that matched Darin L. Bolar. On October 19, 2019, Bolar pled guilty to one count of Second Degree Kidnapping and two counts of Third Degree Rape of a Child. He was sentenced to 51, 60 and 60 months confinement respectively. Counts 2 and 3 were concurrent to each other, and consecutive to count 1 resulting in confinement of 111 months.
State v. Lay: In March 2007, Jonnie Lay and another man kidnapped an adult female in downtown Seattle, drove her to an open field, threatened to kill her if she did not comply, and repeatedly raped her. Afterwards, Lay forced the victim into the backseat of the car, and raped her again, holding a screw driver to her throat. He then attempted to force the victim into prostitution, and when she resisted, he threw her out of the car. The victim made her way to the women’s shelter where she had been living, called the police, and got a forensic exam at Harborview Medical Center where a SAK was collected. At the time, the victim reportedly did not wish to proceed with the case and it was deactivated. In 2016, the SAK was tested as a result of the initiative to clear the backlog. The testing resulted in a “hit” that matched Lay’s DNA profile. King County originally charged Lay with Rape in the First Degree and offered a lesser charge of Rape in the Second Degree. The jury came back as hung on both charges. In 2020, King County prosecutors tried the case a second time and were able to secure a conviction of Rape in the Second Degree. Lay was sentenced to 136 months in custody.
State v. Hailu: In October 2014, in downtown Seattle, Kirose Hailu lured an adult female into an alley by claiming the person she was looking for headed there. He then threatened to kill her if she resisted as he raped her vaginally and orally. As he left, he told her, “My friends are going to come and fuck you. If you move, I’ll kill you.” The victim waited a while, then got dressed and left. A couple of days later she was back downtown where she saw Hailu. She waved down a patrol car and reported the rape. The victim got a forensic exam where a SAK was collected. However, the case was closed when the detective reported being unable to contact the victim. As part of clearing the backlog, the SAK was tested and resulted in a “hit” that matched Hailu’s DNA profile. Hailu pled guilty to Rape in the Third Degree and was sentenced to 60 months, consecutive to the 170 months he is serving for a prior conviction of Rape in the Second Degree.
State v. Rance: In June, 2013, an adult female had just been discharged from Harborview Medical Center and was waiting for a bus when Eric Rance approached her and convinced her to go with him to his place nearby. Shortly thereafter, the victim became uncomfortable and tried to leave. Rance became extremely angry and threatened the victim. Rance put a condom on and raped the victim as she cried. After he raped her, he forced her to shower and then allowed her to leave. The victim immediately reported to a patrol officer who drove by. The victim underwent a forensic exam where a SAK was collected. The case was deactivated within days because the detective reported being unable to contact the victim. As part of initiative to clear the backlog, the SAK was tested resulting in a “hit” that matched Rance’s DNA profile. Rance pled guilty to Assault in the Third Degree for an assault that occurred in 2013 and received credit for time served. According to the prosecuting attorney, the victim was supportive of the plea for a number of reasons.
State v. Childs: Robert Childs Jr., a 30-year-old man, raped a 12-year-old girl, who was unknown to him, at the Torchlight Parade in 2006. Childs’ DNA was found in the victim’s underwear. To clear the backlog of SAKs, the victim’s kit was tested in 2018 and came back with a “hit” matching Childs’ DNA profile. Childs was located in Florida in February 2019 and was extradited. A jury convicted Childs of Rape of a Child in the Second Degree. On January 14, 2022, Childs was sentenced to life without possibility of release.
State v. Dampier: In 2005, a woman, new to the Seattle area, was befriended by a man who she thought was taking her to a shelter. Instead he raped her. The resulting SAK was included in the 2018 SAKI inventory of unsubmitted kits. In May, 2020 DNA from the kit matched to Alvin Dampier. Dampier is currently charged with Rape 2.
State v. Davidson: In April 2014, A 23-year old woman reported being sexually assaulted in the stairway leading to Metro's University St. Tunnel station by an unknown man. A sexual assault exam was completed at Harborview, but a detective was unable to locate the victim for a follow-up interview. The SAK was tested on June 26, 2017 and returned to an unknown contributor. In December 2019, after the defendant’s DNA had been taken pursuant to a non-violent conviction, DNA from the kit matched to Gerray Davidson. Davidson also matched to another case (not tested pursuant to SAKI). He was ultimately charged with two counts of Rape 2nd degree and pled guilty to two counts of Rape 3rd for the two separate cases with two different victims. On October 9, 2020, he was sentenced to 54 months.
State V. Anthony Smith:
In October 2006, the underage victim was out driving around with a male friend. They ran into two other males that the friend was acquainted with but the victim was not. The male friend dropped the suspect males and victim off, telling the victim that he would come back for her later. The victim had nowhere else to go and asked to stay with the suspects. At a residence the suspects both sexually assaulted the victim, with one suspect, Anthony Smith, not using a condom. When both suspects left the room, the victim was able to flee. The next day the victim was arrested for a trespass and when she was taken to the Youth Center, she reported the rape. She was transported to the hospital for a SA exam. The victim did not further assist in any investigation or prosecution. The kit was submitted for testing in August 2016. There was a DNA hit to the suspect, Smith in March 2018. The detective recommended charges of Rape 2nd. However the suspect was already in prison for murder and he pled guilty to Assault 3 in December 2019. He was sentenced to 12 months to run concurrently with his prison sentence.
State v. Anderson: On January 16, 2004, a man approached a 15 year old girl at a bus stop and asked her if she would like to get high. The man gave her crack cocaine and sexually assaulted her. The next day the girl went to Harborview hospital where a SAK was collected. In 2016, the SAK was submitted for testing. In April 2018, DNA from the SAK matched to Michael Anderson’s profile which had been collected and uploaded to CODIS as a result of a 2007 drug offense. Anderson pled guilty to Second Degree Assault and Unlawful Imprisonment and was sentenced to 84 months in prison.
Clark County
State v. Carrillo: In July 2006, a 15 year old girl reported a possible sexual assault. A sexual assault exam was completed however the victim was not cooperative in interviews.
The SAK was tested in November 2017. In April 2018 a CODIS hit identified the male DNA from the kit as belonging to Martin Piz Carrillo. Carrillo was arrested and pled guilty to rape of child in the third degree in December 2021. He was sentenced to 20 months.
State v. Shreves; In 2003, juvenile girl was raped at a high school party in Vancouver, WA. The next day, the girl went to the hospital where a SAK was collected. The kit was submitted for testing in 2018. In 2020, DNA from the SAK matched to Fredrick Shreves. On April 29, 2022, Shreves pled guilty to Second Degree Rape and on June 17, 2022 he was sentenced to 144 months to life in prison.
State v. Dimas: In September 2003, ad adult female was sexually assaulted by an unknown man while she was walking through a park at night. A SAK was collected and tested but there was not sufficient DNA to obtain a profile. In May of 2018, the kit was submitted as part of the backlog. Items were retested. In March 2020, a DNA profile obtained from the kit matched to Jacob Dimas whose profile was in CODIS as a result of a felony theft conviction. In April 2022, Dimas was convicted at trial. At trial, SAKI funds were used to cover forensic scientist expert testimony costs. Dimas was sentenced to 150 months in prison.
State v. Marquez-Garduza: In October, 2005, a woman reported she was walking home from a friend’s house in Vancouver, Washington when she was attacked from behind and pulled into some nearby bushes where she was sexually assaulted. The woman contacted police and underwent a SAK. The case was assigned to a detective, but was eventually suspended due to lack of victim cooperation/contact. In March, 2018, the SAK was submitted and tested through the backlog initiative and yielded a CODIS hit that matched to Pablo Marquez-Garduza. The victim was located and informed of developments in the case and she agreed to assist with prosecution. Marquez-Garduza was charged with Rape I, Rape II and Kidnapping II. He was acquitted at trial by a jury in September, 2023.
Pierce County
State v. Martine Arkeem Smith: In 2015 the 14 y/o victim was walking on Portland Avenue in Tacoma. Smith, who was unknown to the victim, approached, yelling sexual statements at her. After following her for a few blocks, Smith threatened to physically assault her if she didn’t go with him. He then grabbed the victim by the arm and led her to a nearby shed where he sexually assaulted her. He ordered her to be quiet and act like nothing happened. He debated taking her against her will to force her into prostitution, but changed his mind. The victim went home and eventually told her foster parents, who took her to the hospital for an exam.
The kit was tested in 2016. A male DNA profile, identified as belonging to Martine Smith, was matched on 11/21/2016. The victim was re-contacted and correctly identified the suspect in a photo line-up. The suspect was listed as transient in Seattle and initially couldn’t be located. He was eventually located and arrested.
Smith pled guilty to Rape of a Child 3rd, Indecent Liberties without Force and Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes. He was sentenced to 80 months in prison.
Walla Walla County
State V. Gascon: In 2015 a 15 y/o female victim went with a male, who she met through a dating site, to the residence of Jeffrey Gascon. She reported that while there, Gascon held her down and overcame her attempts to stop him. She returned to the residence three days later on her own, where Gascon forcibly raped her again. The victim went to the hospital for an exam. The kit was submitted to WSP in 2018 and a CODIS match was discovered in August 2018 belonging to Jeffrey Gascon. His DNA was in CODIS from past Felony drug, theft and Rape of a Child 3rd convictions. He was arrested by deputies and charged with two counts of Rape 2 and two counts of Rape of a Child 3. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim and knowing she was underage, but stated that it was consensual. Gascon was 37 at the time of the assaults. Law enforcement was unable to locate the victim after the initial interview.
In December 2018, Jeffrey Gascon pled guilty to one count Indecent Liberties and was sentenced to 364 days confinement.