How discarded chewing gum helped convict a serial rapist of two cold case murders
How discarded chewing gum helped convict a serial rapist of two cold case murders
How discarded chewing gum helped convict – During a routine visit to a residence in Everett, Washington, Susan Logothetti and two other officers were unexpectedly involved in a pivotal moment that would solve two decades-old murders. The officers had gathered outside a yellow house, wearing casual attire and distributing flyers for a gum brand, when Mitchell Gaff, a 68-year-old man with a history of sexual assault, opened the door in pajamas. He invited them in, showing enthusiasm as he sampled various gum sticks, according to Logothetti’s recollection of the January 2024 meeting. When Gaff was ready to try a new flavor, one officer handed him a small dish, and the moment unfolded as Logothetti watched him spit the first piece into the container. “I remember seeing the saliva and feeling a surge of excitement,” she said, as the gum ruse became a key piece of evidence.
A breakthrough in cold case investigation
Unbeknownst to Gaff, his act of spitting into the dish provided the undercover detectives with critical DNA samples. These samples, later analyzed, matched evidence linked to a 1984 rape and murder, as revealed in an affidavit of probable cause filed in March 2024. The case file, once considered a dead end, gained new life when forensic scientists discovered that the DNA extracted from the gum was consistent with evidence found on the victim’s body. This revelation, combined with the eventual connection between the two murders, marked a significant turning point in the investigation.
Law enforcement had long puzzled over the murders of two women in Washington state—Judy Weaver in 1980 and Susan Vesey in 1984. At the time, these crimes were seen as separate incidents, with suspects identified but no convictions. The discovery of Gaff’s DNA through the gum ruse not only bridged the gap between the two cases but also demonstrated the power of modern forensic tools in resolving cold cases. “The cases just needed science to catch up,” Logothetti remarked, highlighting the role of genetic advancements in uncovering the truth after years of uncertainty.
The killer’s admission
Gaff, who had already been convicted of rape, admitted to the murders of both Weaver and Vesey during his April 16 plea. He described the attack on Vesey as a random act, entering her home and tying her up before beating, raping, and strangling her. “I wrapped cords around her neck and lit the corner of the bedspread to cover up my crime,” he said in his statement. Four years later, he targeted Weaver, a 42-year-old mother, in her bedroom, setting fire to the room to destroy evidence. “Ms. Weaver died because of my actions,” Gaff confirmed, showing no remorse for his crimes.
The case of Judy Weaver, in particular, had been shrouded in speculation. Her murder in 1980 was initially linked to theories involving money laundering and cocaine, according to Logothetti. The file she inherited from her predecessors at the Everett Police Department was filled with unconventional hypotheses, none of which led to a conviction. However, the breakthrough came in 2020 when law enforcement revisited the case, prompted by the newfound ability to analyze DNA evidence more effectively. This step-by-step process, which began with the gum ruse, ultimately led to Gaff’s identification.
Forensic scientist Lisa Collins emphasized that recent developments in DNA technology have been game-changers. She noted that new software and techniques in genetic genealogy have enabled investigators to extract usable profiles from smaller DNA samples. In Weaver’s case, a binding found on her body contained DNA from her, her boyfriend, and an unknown third party. Using the STRmix software, Collins explained that scientists could isolate the DNA of the third person, narrowing down the suspect pool. This was then matched against the national database CODIS, where Gaff’s profile appeared as a potential match.
Meanwhile, the case of Susan Vesey had remained unsolved for 40 years. Vesey, a 21-year-old married mother of two young children, was killed in July 1980. The investigation into her murder had initially focused on her husband, who was the main suspect. However, the lack of concrete evidence left the case open. When Gaff’s DNA was matched to Vesey’s, it provided the final link that had been missing for years. This breakthrough not only secured his conviction but also brought closure to the families of the victims.
The impact of Gaff’s conviction extended beyond the courtroom. For the families who had lived in the shadow of suspicion for decades, the identification of the killer offered a sense of relief. The woman Gaff had attacked before the murders also found solace in the confirmation that her family was no longer in limbo. Heather Wolfenbarger, Gaff’s defense attorney, declined to comment on the case, leaving the focus on the scientific advancements that made the conviction possible.
The power of DNA profiling
At the time of the murders, DNA profiling was still in its early stages. In Weaver’s case, law enforcement had the foresight to collect vaginal swabs, which were later submitted to the lab hours after her death. This decision proved crucial, as the evidence provided a foundation for future analysis. The case file on Weaver’s murder, once considered a dead end, became a key to solving both crimes when the DNA from the gum ruse aligned with the swabs.
Collins explained that the process of using STRmix allowed forensic teams to work with limited DNA samples, making it easier to identify suspects in cold cases. This technique was instrumental in isolating Gaff’s DNA from the mix of genetic material found on Weaver. Once the profile was obtained, it was entered into CODIS, a national database that connects law enforcement agencies across the country. The match in November 2023 confirmed that Gaff was the perpetrator of both murders, closing the case for good.
Gaff’s admission of guilt has set the stage for his sentencing on Wednesday, where he could face up to life in prison. The case underscores the importance of preserving evidence, even in the most mundane forms. What began as a casual gum sampling turned into a critical moment that connected two unrelated murders. The journey from a simple encounter to a conviction highlights how modern science can transform long-standing mysteries into solved crimes.
Logothetti’s experience with the gum ruse illustrates the unpredictable ways in which evidence can emerge. “It was very hard for me to contain my excitement” during the encounter, she said, as the saliva from the gum became the linchpin in solving the cold cases. The story also serves as a reminder of the resilience of forensic science, which continues to evolve and provide answers even decades after a crime occurs.