Man Arrested in Los Angeles After Decades-Old Rape Cases Resurface
In a shocking turn of events, a man accused of sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint in Framingham over 34 years ago has been taken into custody. The incident occurred in December 1989 inside a women’s clothing store in the area of Shoppers World on Route 9. Thanks to advancements in forensic genealogy and DNA analysis, investigators were able to link Stephen Paul Gale to the cold case, as revealed by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. However, the authorities were initially unaware of Gale’s whereabouts.
Months after the district attorney’s announcement, the Los Angeles Police Department engaged in a dramatic hour-long chase through the city streets and a highway. Gale, the suspect in question, managed to evade multiple police PIT maneuvers before finally hitting a spike strip. The arrest was captured by a news helicopter that was flying overhead, adding to the intensity of the situation.
The victims of the 1989 rapes were 18 and 29 years old at the time. According to Ryan, they were both employees at the Hit or Miss clothing store. Gale entered the store, pretending to seek assistance in selecting an outfit. However, he eventually forced the women to the back of the store, where he robbed and raped them before fleeing the scene. The victims promptly reported the attack, allowing the police to collect forensic evidence. Unfortunately, they were unable to identify the perpetrator at the time.
Years later, in 2022, the Middlesex District Attorney’s office and the Framingham Police Department enlisted the help of an external laboratory. Through DNA analysis, they were finally able to match samples from Gale’s family to the DNA found at the crime scene. This breakthrough allowed them to obtain an arrest warrant for Gale.
Upon his arrest, Gale was charged with four counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of armed robbery. Officials noted that he had used multiple aliases and had his description distributed nationwide. In fact, the US Marshals Service had even offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his apprehension. The authorities involved in the case expressed their commitment to achieving justice, with District Attorney Ryan emphasizing that they never forget the crimes committed within their county.
While Gale has now been arrested, it remains unclear when he will be extradited to Massachusetts. The case serves as a reminder that justice can be pursued tirelessly, even in cold cases that have remained unsolved for decades. The use of forensic genealogy and DNA analysis has proven to be a valuable tool in solving such cases, providing closure to victims and their families. The successful resolution of this case also highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and external laboratories, as it was their combined efforts that eventually led to Gale’s arrest.
