Genealogy database DNA solves decades old violent rape cases in Washington state

An japanese Washington man has been arrested for raping two girls in Pullman twenty years in the past after authorities say DNA linked him to the crimes.

Kenneth Downing, 47, is accused of breaking into two properties and raping girls within the early 2000’s, the New York Put up studies. 

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Downing, who’s reportedly now a married development employee with youngsters, was taken into custody at a Spokane job web site March 17. He has been charged with 4 counts of rape, three counts of assault and three counts of illegal imprisonment with sexual motivation, amongst different costs.

“This chilly case arrest was made doable by DNA matches, utilizing proof collected on the time that the crimes occurred,” Pullman police mentioned in a press release.

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For 18 years, police saved DNA proof they collected, however they didn’t know whose it was till they entered in right into a family tree database. In response to court docket paperwork, he was linked to the case after certainly one of Downing’s family members despatched in a pattern to be taught extra about their household tree.

Three girls whose properties he allegedly broke into have been notified of Downing’s arrest, in keeping with Pullman Police Sgt. Aaron Breshears.

Downing’s bail was set at $5 million with prosecutors arguing he’s nonetheless a risk to the general public. He was assigned a court-appointed legal professional and is about to return to court docket March 25, KHQ-TV studies. 

The Related Press contributed to this report.