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Evidence in 2005 Virginia attack key to unlocking Charlottesville murders

September 24, 2015 / 01:24

This episode covers a 2005 rape case in Fairfax County, Virginia, involving a young woman attacked after giving directions. The attacker was identified through DNA found under her fingernails, leading to the resolution of multiple crimes, including two murders. The episode highlights the detective work and luck involved in solving the case.

The young woman was approached by a man asking for directions, which she found odd. After the attack, she provided a description that helped create a police sketch. A passerby heard her screams and intervened, likely saving her life.

Police discovered a fragment of DNA that became crucial in linking the suspect to other violent crimes. The episode emphasizes the determination of law enforcement in piecing together evidence and solving the case.

This story is featured in the season premiere of 48 Hours, showcasing the challenges faced by police in such investigations.

TLDR

A 2005 Fairfax County rape case leads to solving multiple crimes through DNA evidence.

Episode

1:24

00:00:00

on a September night in 2005 a young woman was walking home from the grocery store along this sidewalk in Fairfax

00:00:06

County Virginia it was dark but she wasn't particularly afraid this is a safe area but then a man came up and

00:00:12

asked her for directions she said she thought there was something odd about him but she politely gave him the

00:00:18

directions and continued on her way unfortunately for her her instincts about this guy were absolutely right he

00:00:25

came up behind her grabbed her threw her to the ground and she ended up some 50 or 60 yard over here her clothing was

00:00:33

found over near that garbage can luckily for her a passer by heard her screams came to her Aid and probably saved her

00:00:40

life in a case like this the police don't have too much to work with the young woman was able to give an artist

00:00:47

enough information so that he could do a sketch but more importantly than that a

00:00:51

fragment of DNA was found under the fingernail of her right hand that DNA would provide the Clue the key to

00:01:00

solving not just this rape but also several other crimes police say two murders in fact the story of how it all

00:01:09

came together how police pieced the pieces of the puzzle together is one of determination dogged detective work

00:01:16

blind luck and pure Serendipity and it's the subject of our 48 hour season premiere this Saturday

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Episode Highlights

A Night of Horror
In September 2005, a young woman faced a terrifying encounter on her way home.
“She wasn't particularly afraid; this is a safe area.”
@ 00m 08s
September 24, 2015
A Life Saved
A passerby heard her screams and came to her aid, likely saving her life.
“Luckily for her, a passerby heard her screams.”
@ 00m 35s
September 24, 2015
The Key to Solving Crimes
A fragment of DNA found under her fingernail was crucial in solving multiple crimes.
“That DNA would provide the clue to solving not just this rape.”
@ 00m 51s
September 24, 2015

Episode Quotes

Her instincts about this guy were absolutely right.
Evidence in 2005 Virginia attack key to unlocking Charlottesville murders
The story of how it all came together is one of determination.
Evidence in 2005 Virginia attack key to unlocking Charlottesville murders

Key Moments

Instincts Matter00:21
DNA Clue00:51