A 56-year-old Virginia man was convicted this week of rape and armed robbery in the cold case of a 32-year-old, authorities said.
DNA evidence from the victim's sexual assault kit matched Vernon Lorenzo Gay, 56, after being retested two years ago.
The retesting was part of the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, which began in 2016 and was funded by the state's attorney general.
According to a statement from the city of Norfolk, Virginia, on the night of May 5, 1992, Gay climbed through one of the victim's three children's bedroom windows, found the victim's bedroom, and grabbed one of the children. She said someone raped her in his own bed while he was in bed with her. News release.
36-year-old Massachusetts man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of woman after spitting on sidewalk
A 56-year-old Virginia man was convicted this week of rape and armed robbery in the cold case of a 32-year-old, authorities said. (Norfolk Police Station)
Another child was also in the room in a crib and the third was in the next room.
The victim was unable to identify her assailant, and although a rape kit was administered, no clues were found and the case remained unsolved.
A rape kit was submitted for testing in July 2022, and a gay match was found in November last year.
Gaye's defense team claimed that he had consensual sex with her, but the victim denied this and told police when cross-examination was conducted that she did not know Gaye. .
A jury found Gay guilty of rape and armed robbery with intent to rape on Wednesday after deliberating for less than two hours.
Serial killer known as the 'Hollywood Ripper' is extradited to Illinois for the 1993 murder of his teenage neighbor
“Today's ruling brings much-needed solace and closure to this cold case, and supports state and local law enforcement in ensuring justice no matter how much time passes,” said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. “This is a testament to the agency's continued efforts.” “We are pleased that our SAKI initiative has funded this important partnership and made this resolution possible.” (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
“Once again, Norfolk leads Virginia in first SAKI [Sexual Assault Kit Initiative] “We thank former Attorney General Mark Herring and Attorney General Jason Miyares for dedicating their resources to verifying disproving evidence in cases like this,” federal prosecutor Ramin Fatehi said in a statement.
He added: “The wheels of justice may move slowly, but they never stop, and today we served justice. After a long time, we were able to bring some closure to the survivors and their families. I'm happy,” he added. And we can hold Vernon Gay accountable for this horrific crime. ”
Gay's family maintains his innocence.
“He's a very, very good person. A good father, a good friend, a good worker, a good uncle, a good brother,” one of Gay's relatives told WVEC-TV.
“The statute of limitations for felonies in Virginia is forever,” Fatehi told WAVY-TV.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Gay's sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 20th.
“Today's ruling brings much-needed solace and closure to this cold case, and supports state and local law enforcement in ensuring justice no matter how much time passes,” said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. “This is a testament to the agency's continued efforts.” “We are pleased that our SAKI initiative has funded this important partnership and made this resolution possible.”
