James Frederick Wilson, 59, was arrested on October 27, 2022 for the March 24, 1984 rape and attempted murder of a woman in Columbia, Missouri.
The woman had been walking to work in around the 4000 block of Wellington Avenue and Providence Road when she was abducted at knifepoint into the suspect’s car. He then drove the victim to a dead-end where he sexually assaulted and stabbed her, cutting her throat. He then left her for dead in a nearby creek, but she survived.
A DNA profile of the suspect was developed from a sexual assault kit taken from the woman at the hospital. There was no STR match in CODIS.
The FGG investigation was conducted by Othram in partnership with the Columbia Police Department, beginning in February of 2021. The initial confirmation was made through surreptitious sampling.
Wilson is facing charges of forcible rape and first-degree assault with a deadly weapon in Boone County. He was detained in the Iredell County jail in North Carolina while awaiting extradition.
Police have established a tip line where the public can provide information on whether Wilson committed similar crimes against further victims in the area.
On January 13, 2023, Wilson pled not guilty to forcible rape with a weapon and first-degree assault with a deadly weapon. A status hearing is scheduled for March 13, 2023. He is currently being held at Boone County Jail without bond.
Sources:
Brierton, James. “Mooresville Man Arrested for 38-Year-Old Cold Case Rape and Attempted Murder Case.” WCNC News Charlotte, October 28, 2022. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/missouri-rape-attempted-murder-cold-case-north-carolina-arrest/275-663e26d8-d3bf-4f36-823a-806f888db26b.
Southey, Stephanie. “Advanced DNA Technology Used to Identify Suspect in 1984 Rape, Attempted Murder Case.” KOMU 8 News, October 27, 2022. Last modified October 28, 2022. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/advanced-dna-technology-used-to-identify-suspect-in-1984-rape-attempted-murder-case/article_f968a270-5627-11ed-975b-dba5d48e47ea.html.
Southey, Stephanie. “VIDEO: Suspect in 1984 Rape and Attempted Murder Case Pleads Not Guilty.” KOMU 8 News, January 13, 2023. Accessed January 17, 2023. https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/suspect-in-1984-rape-and-attempted-murder-case-pleads-not-guilty/article_7ceef296-937e-11ed-987a-b342146b9815.html.
Vogen, Michael. “Columbia PD Partners with Othram to Identify the Suspect in a 1984 Rape and Attempted Murder of a Young Woman.” DNASolves.com, October 28, 2022. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://dnasolves.com/articles/columbia-james-frederick-wilson/.