This week, a man was apprehended in Connecticut after Virginia authorities uncovered new evidence linking him to a 40-year-old murder and rape case.
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Roberta Walls, aged 22, was tragically raped and murdered in Virginia Beach on May 15, 1986. According to police reports, she was not only sexually assaulted but also stabbed multiple times.
For years, law enforcement has tirelessly pursued clues to identify Walls’ killer but encountered numerous dead ends.
On Wednesday, a breakthrough occurred with the arrest of Charles Randell Berry, who is now linked to this cold case.
Authorities traced Berry through forensic genealogy, a method enhanced by a grant from the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. This led to a DNA profile developed in 2001 by the Virginia Department of Forensic Sciences.
Detectives acquired Berry’s DNA through a search warrant during their investigation.
Lt. Michelle Wyatt stated, “The cold case team persistently investigated Berry’s involvement and eventually referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential charges.”
Prior to Berry’s identification, police had ruled out over 30 suspects through DNA analysis.
Virginia Beach Police Department
Berry had no known connection to Walls; however, he was serving in the Navy and stationed in Virginia Beach during the time of the murder. The U.S. Navy informed NBC News that Berry’s personnel records prior to 1990 are unavailable.
According to court records, Berry has been charged with rape and capital murder in Virginia related to the May 1986 crime. He was apprehended in Connecticut and is awaiting extradition.
Berry’s attorney, Robert Racobel, stated he has yet to receive any warrants or affidavits pertaining to the allegations. He mentioned he met Berry two years ago when Virginia investigators sought an interview but could not disclose further information.
“At this stage, we are unaware of any details,” Racobel remarked.
Should Connecticut grant the extradition request, Berry will be transferred to Virginia to face charges of murder and rape, at which point he will enter a plea.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate confirmed that Berry currently does not seem to be linked to any other crimes.
“This has raised concerns among the community,” Neudigate stated. “People want to know how a brutal crime like this occurs once without further incidents. Currently, there is no evidence connecting him to any other crimes.”
Deputy Police Chief Jeffrey Wilkerson emphasized that this arrest reflects the department’s commitment to honoring Walls and her memory.
“Roberta Walls, affectionately called Bobbie by her loved ones, was a cherished daughter, sister, and friend,” Wilkerson noted. “We are incredibly thankful to the dedicated professionals who have pursued this case over the years.”
Wyatt reported that Walls’ family has opted not to make any statements and requests privacy as they process these deeply personal and traumatic events.
Source: www.nbcnews.com