Advancements in DNA technology help solve Bay Area cold case: PD

(KRON) — The Novato Police Department has identified three suspects in a rape case that has gone unsolved since 2017.

In February of 2017, the victim of the crime was given a medical exam to possibly identify their attackers. The DNA samples collected from the exam were sent to a lab for analysis.

Experts were unable to identify any suspects at the time. However, new technology recently allowed investigators to reopen the case.

“Advancements in DNA technology since 2017 helped with the identification of three suspects,” the Novato Police Department said.

The following suspects were identified in connection to the case:

• Gilson DeLeon-Gramajo, a 33-year-old San Rafael resident (arrested)
• Miguel Cruz-Revelo, a 27-year-old Novato resident (arrested)
• Fernando Mendoza-Cruz, a 30-year-old Novato resident (at large)

“Leads were developed that DeLeon-Gramajo was in San Rafael and he was arrested this past April,” NPD said. “Subsequent investigation indicated that Cruz-Revelo was residing in Los Angeles. Novato PD enlisted assistance from the US Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Three days later, Cruz-Revelo was located and arrested in the Los Angeles area.”

Mendoza-Cruz is likely living in Central America and remains at large, NPD said. A warrant is out for his arrest. All three suspects face charges of forcible rape, rape in concert and sodomy.