In a stunning development, a decades-old cold case murder in Oregon has finally been solved thanks to advancements in DNA technology.
Barbara Mae Tucker, a young college student tragically taken in 1980, can finally have a semblance of justice after a suspect was convicted of her murder.
Tucker's kidnapping and murder in Gresham, Oregon, on January 15th, 1980, shattered her loved ones' lives.
Despite the lack of immediate answers, investigators never gave up hope.
In 2000, a ray of hope emerged as a DNA profile was developed from the evidence gathered during Tucker's autopsy.
However, the wait for a suspect continued for over two decades.
Then, in 2021, a genealogist working on the case identified Robert Plympton as a potential match to the DNA profile.
This crucial breakthrough reignited the investigation, leading Gresham police detectives to closely monitor Plympton.
The meticulous surveillance paid off when detectives observed Plympton discarding chewing gum on the sidewalk.
Recognizing the potential significance, they collected the gum and submitted it for DNA testing.
The results were conclusive.
The DNA from the discarded gum perfectly matched the sample obtained in 2000.
This crucial piece of evidence, along with the existing investigation, led to Plympton's arrest in June 2021.
Want To Stay Updated With True Crime Stories? Dive into the latest true crime cases, cold case mysteries, celebrity crime news, and both local and International crime news in general, here at truecrimeavenue.com
Following a bench trial, the court found Plympton guilty of first-degree murder.
While the judge acknowledged the horrific sexual assault Tucker endured, prosecutors couldn't conclusively prove it happened before her death, leading to no conviction on those particular charges.
Plympton's sentencing is scheduled for June this year.
While the verdict cannot erase the pain of Tucker's loved ones, it offers a measure of solace in knowing her killer has been held accountable.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, please reach out for help.
Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN's website at rainn.org for support and resources.
Comments
Post a Comment