DNA Leads to Arrest in 1987 Sexual Assault 

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To watch today’s press conference click here.

Fair Oaks Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau Cold Case Squad have arrested a 59-year-old Ashburn man for the sexual assault of a teenager that occurred in Fairfax 35 years ago. On March 6, 1987, the mother of the victim received a phone call from a man pretending to be a local radio personality. The man told the woman she only needed to listen to the radio station to be eligible for $1,000 and a trip to Hawaii. He stated that he needed personal information to proceed with the award. The woman provided the man her home phone number and address.

The man then called the home, and the juvenile victim answered. He again pretended to be a radio personality and told the victim she won $1,000 and a trip to Hawaii. The man used a ruse to convince the victim to go to the address of a local radio station in Fairfax City. 

When the victim arrived, the man enticed the victim into his car and drove to a wooded area on Ridgetop Road near Lee Highway. When the two got out of the car, the man implied he had a weapon and sexually assaulted the victim before driving away. 

The incident was reported the same day, and forensic evidence was collected. Over the past 35 years, detectives eliminated more than 70 possible suspects. Through the evolution of technology, the forensic evidence was tested numerous times. In February 2005, foreign DNA was detected in the sample, but there was not a match for a suspect. 

In April 2021, detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau met with members of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (VADFS). The meeting resulted in evidence being sent to the Marshall University Forensic Science Center, where it was determined that the case was a viable candidate for genealogy research. 

In January, William Clark was identified as a person of interest through genetic genealogy research. During their course of the investigation, detectives were able to obtain a sample of Clark’s DNA. This sample was submitted on Feb. 15 to VADFS for direct comparison.

On April 14th, detectives received a positive match between Clark and the evidence recovered from the scene of the crime 35 years ago. Detectives obtained warrants for rape, abduction with intent to defile and attempted forcible sodomy. Detectives from our Fugitive Track and Apprehension Team assisted with the investigation and arrested Clark on Monday, April 18. He was taken to the Adult Detention Center, where he is being held without bond. 

Victim advocates from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to this case to ensure the victim is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have information about this case or any past illegal contact with Clark. Those with information are asked to please call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 8. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest. Those who wish for a detective to contact them, please leave contact information.