PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police in Rhode Island say DNA evidence and the use of forensic genealogy has led to an arrest in a 35-year-old sexual assault case.
Authorities say 66-year-old Frank Thies was arrested last month in Indiana and faces charges of sexual assault and molestation.
The victims were aged 11 and 13 in 1987 when they were assaulted after being forced into the woods at knifepoint.
Physical evidence tied to the attacker was recovered, but it wasn't until recent developments in genetic forensics that investigators could identify a suspect and make an arrest.
Thies was arraigned Thursday in Rhode Island after being extradited from Indiana.
Latest Stories
-
Proposed study could transform the downtown Indianapolis South Split interchange
U.S. Attorney's Office announces string of gun seizures across central Indiana
Local and federal law enforcement leaders are teaming up with Indiana's Crime Guns Task Force to target offenders as 3D-printed machine gun conversion kits become a statewide issue.
U.S. Attorney's Office announces string of gun seizures across central Indiana
Notre Dame to offer free tuition for families earning under $150,000
Notre Dame announced that families with annual incomes below $150,000 will receive financial aid that fully covers tuition. Families earning under $200,000 will have half their tuition covered.