In a significant development in a long-unsolved murder case, Victor Lamont Ferguson was identified as a suspect in the 1997 killing of Karen Gevorkov through advanced DNA testing. Gevorkov, attacked in a brutal assault involving blunt force trauma, was initially left without answers for nearly three decades. The breakthrough, announced by the San Jose Police Department, came after DNA evidence from the victim's clothing matched Ferguson's. Additionally, insights from a former inmate helped strengthen the case against him, offering long-awaited closure for Gevorkov's family.
"Twenty-eight years ago, Karen lost his life and his family never knew why," San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said in the release. "Although the truth won't bring him back, it brings answers and hopefully closure for a family who has been waiting for both for a long time now."
When DNA from Gevorkov's clothing was tested, it was found to be a match to Ferguson's DNA, "providing conclusive evidence of his involvement in the crime," according to police.
A former inmate who came forward in 1997 was reinterviewed by police in 2016. The inmate's information further solidified Ferguson's connection in Gevorkov's death.
Despite numerous efforts to solve the case, key evidence eluded investigators - until now, police said.
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