NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A man will spend 32 years behind bars in connection with a recently solved cold case dating back to 1992.
According to officials, thanks to DNA testing provided by the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), on Sept. 26, 2024, 56-year-old Vernon Gay was found guilty of rape and armed burglary with intention to commit rape for a 32-year-old cold case.
Cold case solved: Man found guilty in 32-year-old rape case
A release states that on May 5, 1992, Gay went into the residence of the victim through one of her children’s bedroom windows while armed with a knife. Gay then found the victim in her bed room, where he then proceeded to rape her.
On Friday, Dec. 20, Gay was sentenced to an active 32 years in prison with another 13 years suspended on the condition that Gay be of uniform good behavior, comply with supervised probation for 10 years and have no contact with the victim.
“Today’s sentencing is a significant event for SAKI and a tremendous victory for the victim, the first jury conviction of its kind after having reopened and closed a 32-year cold case,” Attorney General Jason Miyares said. “Criminals should know that time is no deterrent in the face of justice. Our office is committed to seeing justice served.”