DNA match leads to arrest of suspect from 2007 attemted rape case

In August of this year, the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab notified Renton Detectives that a DNA match for the suspect in the 2007 case had just been made with a suspect being investigated by the King County Sheriff’s office for a 2015 case of Indecent Liberties.

Police in Renton on Thursday have arrested a 27-year-old suspect in a 2007 attempted rape case based on DNA evidence collected at the time of the crime.

On Nov. 25, 2007, Renton officers were dispatched to the 1300 Block of Eagle Ridge Drive on a reported assault with a knife. The female victim told investigators a stranger knocked on her door and asked to borrow her phone.

After the victim handed him her cell phone, the suspect forced his way inside the victim’s apartment and sexually assaulted her at knife point.  The victim and suspect struggled for some time before the victim was able to hit the suspect with a pot and escape to a neighbor’s apartment.

Detectives collected blood evidence at the scene and the next day it was submitted it to Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. A DNA profile was obtained from the evidence and entered into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) but there were no matches at the time. Investigators were never able to identify a suspect.

In August of this year, the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab notified Renton Detectives that a DNA match for the suspect in the 2007 case had just been made with a suspect being investigated by the King County Sheriff’s office for a 2015 case of Indecent Liberties.

The Renton case was re-opened, leading to today’s arrest.

“This is great example of the value of DNA evidence. Without it, we would likely have never been able to solve this case. Hopefully this will bring some closure to the victim after all these years.” Michael Luther, commander in charge of the Renton Police Department Investigations Division said in a press release.