A man was arrested in Connecticut this week following new evidence provided by Virginia authorities, linking him to the 1986 murder and rape of a woman in Virginia Beach.
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Roberta Walls, aged 22, was tragically raped and murdered in Virginia Beach on May 15, 1986, as confirmed by local police. Initial investigations indicated that she was sexually assaulted and stabbed multiple times.
For years, police have diligently pursued clues to apprehend Walls’ killer but faced numerous dead ends.
This changed on Wednesday when authorities announced the arrest of Charles Randell Berry in connection with this cold case.
The break in the case emerged from forensic genealogy research enabled by a grant from the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The investigation utilized a DNA profile established in 2001 by the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences.
Detectives obtained Berry’s DNA through a search warrant.
“The cold case team continued to investigate Berry’s involvement and submitted the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential charges,” reported Lt. Michelle Wyatt.
Prior to identifying Berry, police eliminated more than 30 suspects through DNA testing.
Virginia Beach Police Department
At the time of Walls’ murder, Berry was serving in the Navy and stationed in Virginia Beach, though he had no known connection to her. His military personnel records are not available, as the U.S. Navy stated they do not maintain records prior to 1990.
Berry faces charges of rape and capital murder in Virginia related to the May 1986 incident. He was arrested in Connecticut and is awaiting extradition.
Berry’s attorney, Robert Racobel, stated he has not yet received a warrant or affidavit detailing the allegations. He met Berry during a request for an interview by Virginia investigators approximately two years ago but could not disclose further information.
“At this point, we have no knowledge regarding these events,” Racobel remarked.
If Connecticut grants the extradition, Berry will be transported to Virginia to commence trial for murder and rape charges, where he will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
According to Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate, Berry currently does not appear to be linked to additional crimes.
“This is a concern for the community, and we all want to know how a person capable of such brutality is not linked to multiple incidents. However, there is no evidence suggesting he was involved in other crimes,” Neudigate stated.
Deputy Police Chief Jeffrey Wilkerson remarked that the arrest symbolizes the department’s commitment to honoring Walls’ memory.
“Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Walls was a cherished daughter, sister, and friend to many. We are thankful to the professionals who have tirelessly worked on this case over the years,” Wilkerson added.
Wyatt informed reporters that Walls’ family has requested privacy as they navigate these deeply emotional and traumatic events.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
