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
-
Local Boy Scout thanks first responders with large popcorn donation
Thanking first responders who put their lives on the line for the community is what a local Boy Scout did through a donation to IMPD's Mobile Crisis Assistance Team.New details emerge about the Department of Government Efficiency's proposed cuts
How much will the Department of Government Efficiency change the country's federal government? Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are revealing new details about how it will work and how long it will take.3 shot, 1 killed on Indy’s northwest side
Three people were shot, leaving one of them dead, on the northwest side of Indianapolis on Thursday night.7 residents displaced; dog dies in house fire on Indy’s north side
Seven people were displaced, and a dog died in a house fire on the north side of Indianapolis on Thursday.