After over 30 years, authorities have made an arrest in the cold case of a mother found dead at her home in Washington.
In November 1992, Janice Randle was discovered dead in her bed, with her young daughter sleeping in her crib nearby.
Janice’s husband, James Randle, originally told police she might have overdosed on painkillers, referencing her history with drugs.
At the time, the couple was living apart and contemplating divorce.
The initial investigation leaned towards an accidental overdose.
However, an autopsy later indicated that there were no drugs in her system, prompting detectives to reevaluate the situation as a homicide.
Even with this new classification, the lack of solid evidence hindered progress, and the case remained unsolved for decades.
Recently, family members provided new information, including an alleged confession from James Randle, leading to a reevaluation of the case.
This renewed investigation ultimately established probable cause to arrest the 68-year-old suspect, who was residing in a care facility in Everett, Washington, and he was taken into custody on April 1.
Authorities now believe Janice died due to a violent altercation with her husband, as newly uncovered evidence contradicts the initial explanation.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the significance of modern investigative methods in achieving justice, even after so much time has passed. They also praised the dedication of the detectives involved, noting that they ensured Janice’s story remained alive.
Court documents reveal that in the years following her death, James allegedly confessed to two relatives about murdering Janice and staging her death to look like a drug overdose.
Visible bruises and signs of struggle were noted on Janice’s body, yet her death had initially been labeled indeterminate.
Records indicate that Janice and James were embroiled in a contentious custody battle, and he had previous domestic violence convictions, along with threats made prior to her death.
James Randle was booked into Pierce County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder with bail set at $1 million.
Interestingly, it was Janice’s daughters who played a key role in rekindling interest in the case. One daughter, an 18-month-old baby, was found next to her mother the night she died, which spurred further investigation.
Janice’s eldest daughter, Katie Wakin, expressed gratitude towards family and investigators for their efforts. She highlighted the support from her mother’s friends who helped fill the void during their childhood.
Reflecting on the recent developments, Wakin admitted she had somewhat lost hope over the years. “I don’t want to say I gave up hope, but I never thought I would see something like this in my lifetime,” she said, acknowledging a shift in her perspective about a year ago.
This renewed interest in the case largely began in 2025 when her half-sister, Courtney Lewis, started researching their mother’s background for the sake of her own children.
Lewis recalled her findings, stating she realized there was more to uncover and believed they needed to pursue the truth.
Both sisters collaborated to gather information, which ultimately led investigators to review evidence and identify a suspect.
For Janice’s family, this arrest represents a long-awaited step towards closure after more than 30 years.
