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Authorities have identified notorious California serial killer Randy Kraft as the prime suspect in a murder case dating back nearly 45 years. The use of forensic genealogy finally brought closure to a decades-old mystery, linking Kraft to the death of a man discovered in Oregon in 1980. This development underscores the continued efforts to solve cold cases and bring justice to victims and their families.
Randy Kraft Named Suspect in 1980 Murder
Larry Eugene Parks, 30, was discovered deceased along Interstate 5 in Oregon on the morning of July 18, 1980, according to the Oregon State Police. The investigation into this crime was initiated immediately, yet Parks remained unidentified for decades. It wasn’t until recently, when an investigator from the Orange County, California Sheriff’s Department volunteered to assist in identifying him through forensic genealogy in 2024, that progress was made.
Kraft’s Criminal History
Kraft, currently incarcerated at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, was convicted of the torture and murder of 16 men during a series of killings spanning a decade in Orange County, California. He was apprehended, bringing an end to his reign of terror. Law enforcement also suspect him in over 60 other murders across the West Coast and Michigan.
Advances in Forensic Genealogy Solve Cold Cases
The breakthrough in the Parks case came about when a genetic profile was created using a sample of his blood. This profile enabled investigators to locate and contact potential family members. Subsequently, they submitted DNA samples, ultimately leading to the identification of Parks. Notably, Parks was a Vietnam veteran and had lost contact with his family approximately a year prior to his death.
Family Informed After Decades of Uncertainty
“Prior to his identification last month, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance were unknown to the Parks family,” stated authorities.
Evidence Links Kraft to the Crime
Investigators believe Kraft, who was apprehended in Orange County, California, in 1983, bears responsibility for Parks’ demise. Evidence recovered from the murder scene, along with evidence from the murder of another man discovered on I-5 the day before Parks was found, had been transferred to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for potential use in court. However, it remained in the county’s possession until 2024, when the investigator took action to identify the victim, according to police reports.
- Evidence from the Parks’ murder was preserved.
- The Orange County District Attorney’s office held the evidence.
- A dedicated investigator reopened the case.
Efforts Continue to Resolve the Case
“With Parks’ identity confirmed, investigators are now committed to achieving a resolution in this 45-year-old case, bringing closure to all parties involved,” police affirmed. The commitment to justice remains strong even after decades.
Similarly, in 2023, an Iowa teenager, suspected to be one of Kraft’s earliest victims, was also identified through forensic genealogy, showcasing the increasing role of this technology in solving historic crimes.