New evidence emerges in 1987 rape cold case, Henrico Police want your help
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Henrico County Police Division is renewing efforts to solve a decades-old cold case following the discovery of new evidence and the release of an updated composite image of the suspect. The case dates back to April 13, 1987, when a 22-year-old woman reported being brutally raped at knifepoint inside her apartment at the Colonial Apartments complex on Carleigh Court. The attack occurred in broad daylight, between 2 and 3 p.m. on a Monday. Police say the suspect had been watching the victim throughout the day before cutting through her screen door to gain access while she was away, ambushing her upon her return. “This individual was bold enough to do it in the middle of the day,” said Henrico Police spokesperson Karina Bolster. “From what we understand, this person had been watching the victim go in and out of her apartment all day before he acted.” The original suspect sketch from 1987 has now been updated using advanced technology to show what the individual might look like today. Police estimate the suspect, who was described at the time as wearing a work uniform resembling that of a maintenance or utility worker, would now be in his late 50s or early 60s. Detectives believe this suspect may have been involved in similar violent crimes in the same time period, suggesting a possible pattern of behavior. “Cold case detectives are always trying to find ways to retest evidence from when it was originally collected,” Bolster explained. “Advances in technology have allowed us to uncover and test new evidence, leading to a crucial lead in this case.” Police recently spoke with the victim, now 59 years old, who remains cooperative and determined to see justice served. According to Bolster, she was able to provide detailed insights into what transpired that day, offering detectives valuable clarity. “She wants to get answers as well and figure out who the person responsible for violating her is,” Bolster said. Henrico Police consider the updated composite image and newly uncovered evidence to be significant progress in the investigation. However, they are relying on the public’s assistance to move the case forward. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Henrico Police Cold Case Review Team at hpdcoldcase@henrico.gov or call 804-501-5848. Tips, no matter how small, could be the key to solving this 37-year-old mystery and bringing closure to the victim.
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HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Henrico County Police Division is renewing efforts to solve a decades-old cold case following the discovery of new evidence and the release of an updated composite image of the suspect.
The case dates back to April 13, 1987, when a 22-year-old woman reported being brutally raped at knifepoint inside her apartment at the Colonial Apartments complex on Carleigh Court.
The attack occurred in broad daylight, between 2 and 3 p.m. on a Monday. Police say the suspect had been watching the victim throughout the day before cutting through her screen door to gain access while she was away, ambushing her upon her return.
“This individual was bold enough to do it in the middle of the day,” said Henrico Police spokesperson Karina Bolster. “From what we understand, this person had been watching the victim go in and out of her apartment all day before he acted.”
The original suspect sketch from 1987 has now been updated using advanced technology to show what the individual might look like today. Police estimate the suspect, who was described at the time as wearing a work uniform resembling that of a maintenance or utility worker, would now be in his late 50s or early 60s.
Detectives believe this suspect may have been involved in similar violent crimes in the same time period, suggesting a possible pattern of behavior.
“Cold case detectives are always trying to find ways to retest evidence from when it was originally collected,” Bolster explained. “Advances in technology have allowed us to uncover and test new evidence, leading to a crucial lead in this case.”
Police recently spoke with the victim, now 59 years old, who remains cooperative and determined to see justice served. According to Bolster, she was able to provide detailed insights into what transpired that day, offering detectives valuable clarity.
“She wants to get answers as well and figure out who the person responsible for violating her is,” Bolster said.
Henrico Police consider the updated composite image and newly uncovered evidence to be significant progress in the investigation. However, they are relying on the public’s assistance to move the case forward.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Henrico Police Cold Case Review Team at hpdcoldcase@henrico.gov or call 804-501-5848. Tips, no matter how small, could be the key to solving this 37-year-old mystery and bringing closure to the victim.
