Federal prosecutors have charged a man designated as a sexually violent predator with the rapes and murders of two women whose bodies were found in Everett decades ago, authorities announced.
Background
The victims, both from Everett, Washington, were found slain in separate incidents that remained unsolved for decades. The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and the FBI reopened the investigations in recent years after advances in DNA technology allowed for new forensic analysis of evidence collected at the original crime scenes.
The suspect, already serving a prison sentence in Washington state as a legally designated sexually violent predator, was identified through DNA evidence that matched existing federal and state databases. Investigators worked with the FBI's ViCAP unit and the Washington State Patrol crime lab to connect the crimes.
The Charges
The suspect has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of rape in the first degree. The charges were filed in Snohomish County Superior Court following a review by the county prosecutor's office in coordination with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington.
The FBI confirmed that the suspect was taken into federal custody and will face state charges in Washington. Authorities executed a search warrant at the suspect's correctional facility cell, and investigators are reviewing additional evidence related to other potential victims.
Key Takeaways
- The suspect is a Washington state-designated sexually violent predator currently incarcerated in the state prison system
- Two victims, both Everett women, were raped and murdered in separate incidents dating back decades
- DNA evidence processed through modern forensic technology led to the identification and charging
- The FBI, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and Washington State Patrol collaborated on the investigation
- Additional evidence is being reviewed for potential connections to other unsolved cases
What's Next
The suspect is scheduled to make an initial appearance in Snohomish County Superior Court. Prosecutors indicated they will seek consecutive sentences if convicted. Investigators continue to review evidence for potential additional victims and are asking anyone with information about related crimes to contact the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office tip line.