COLD CASES WE’VE SOLVED*

Jeanette Ralston (1977): In May 2025, nearly 48 years after her murder, Willie Eugene Sims was arrested in Ohio. Modern forensic analysis matched his fingerprint and DNA to evidence found on Ralston's cigarette pack and body.

Elena “Estella” Mena (1979): In 2023, DNA evidence identified Sam Silva as the perpetrator of Mena's attempted rape and murder in Sunnyvale. Silva had died in 2008 while in prison for unrelated charges.

Karen Gevorkov (1997): Advanced DNA testing in 2024 linked Victor Lamont Ferguson to Gevorkov's murder. Ferguson had died in 2022, but the case was officially closed with his identification.

Raymond Ojeda (1991): In 2024, DNA analysis revealed that Gerardo Aguilar, who had been living under an alias in Ohio, was responsible for Ojeda's murder. Aguilar was killed by the FBI in 2007 during a drug trafficking investigation.

Karen Ann Stitt (1982): Gary Ramirez was convicted in early 2025 for the brutal murder of 15-year-old Stitt in Sunnyvale. DNA evidence and genealogical research were instrumental in solving the case.

Thomas Loguidice (1994): In 2022, DNA evidence linked Loguidice to a 1994 kidnapping and sexual assault at a San Jose mall. He was sentenced to life in prison in March 2025.

*partial list

Over the past 12 years, my Office’s Cold Case Unit has resolved more than 30 long-unsolved homicides and sexual assaults. That’s one of the best track records in the nation. Some of those cases date as far back as 1969, and since 2021, we’ve resolved 12 cold sexual assault cases, including five in 2024.

Of all the duties I carry out as DA, solving Cold Cases will always be one of the most fulfilling, as I know we are removing a terrible burden from the hearts of a victim’s loved ones.