The Hayward Police Department in California has solved a 45-year-old sexual assault and murder case. The victim, Theresa Pica, was found dead in her home on May 21, 1979. The suspect, Fred Bernard Farnham, is believed to have entered Pica’s home, assaulted her, and killed her. The case was solved using genealogical DNA technology, which identified Farnham as the perpetrator.
Detective David Koller led the investigation. It involved collecting DNA evidence from Farnham, a process not available at the time of the crime. Detectives continued to investigate the case over the years, using new technologies as they became available. The FBI assisted in the investigation in December 2023.
Farnham, who died in 2007, was a resident of Santa Clara County. His criminal records show multiple rape convictions and prison sentences. If alive, Farnham would be classified as a serial sexual/homicide offender due to his involvement in several sexual assault incidents in the Bay Area.
The Newark Police Department has also linked Farnham to a 1972 sexual assault and murder case. The two cases were connected due to their similarities and both agencies worked together on the investigations.