1980s cold case murder in WA solved through DNA tech

1980s cold case murder solved in WA; suspect died of cancer

After over 36 years, a family finally has closure after Pierce County detectives solved a cold case dating back to the '80s. The suspect died two weeks before facing justice.

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - After more than 36 years, a family finally has closure after Pierce County deputies solved a cold case dating back to the '80s.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSD), investigators used DNA evidence and new technology to link John Guillot Jr. to the murder of 18-year-old Tracy Whitney.

Pierce County investigators said Guillot Jr. died from cancer before he could face justice. They also said he was linked to another negligent homicide case in the area.

The heinous murder made headlines across the state more than three decades ago. An archived headline from a 1989 issue of 'The Spokesman-Review' out of Spokane, Washington, detailed the limited evidence and information available even a year after Whitney's killing.

The report says a fisherman found Whitney's naked body on a sandbar near where the Stuck River and Puyallup River meet in Sumner, Washington.

Investigators said that Guillot Jr. had no connection to the teenage victim, describing the incident as a stranger abduction, rape, and murder.

After more than 36 years, a family finally gets closure after Pierce County deputies solved a cold case dating back to the 80s.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSD), investigators used DNA evidence and new technology to link John Guillet Jr. to the murder of 18-year-old Tracy Whitney.
According to Pierce County investigators, Guillet Jr. died from cancer before he could face justice. They also said that he was linked to another negligent homicide case in the area.
The heinous murder made headlines across the state more than three decades ago. An archived headline from a 1989 issue of The Spokesman Review out of Spokane, Washington broke down the limited evidence and information that was available even a year after Tracy Whitney's killing. The report says a fisherman found Whitney's naked body on a sandbar near where the Stuck River and Puyallup River meet in Sumner, Washington.
Investigators said that John Guillet Jr. had no connection to the teenage victim. Deputies called it a stranger abduction, rape and murder.
DNA evidence from the crime was still on file, but at the time, the technology to find answers did not exist. That is until recently.
PCSD detectives tell FOX 13 they were able to link DNA to Guillet Jr. of Puyallup through genetic genealogy, because another family member's DNA was on file with the medical examiner.
However, the answers came too late for justice. Investigators say Guillet Jr. died from cancer about two weeks before those conclusive DNA results came back.
In a Facebook post, the victim's sister thanked Pierce County Sheriff's Deputies for their

Although DNA evidence from the crime was on file, the technology to analyze it did not exist at the time. This changed only recently.

PCSD detectives told FOX 13 that they were able to link the DNA to Guillot Jr. of Puyallup through genetic genealogy after a family member's DNA was on file with the medical examiner.

However, the answers came too late for justice. Investigators say Guillot Jr. died from cancer about two weeks before the conclusive DNA results were returned.

In a Facebook post, a family member of the victim thanked the Pierce County Sheriff's deputies for their continued and dedicated efforts to find her older sibling's killer. She also shared a photo of Tracy to honor her memory.

"Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, the perpetrator has been identified as John Guillot Jr. from Puyallup, WA," the family member wrote on Facebook. "Unfortunately, Guillot passed away a year before this breakthrough, so no arrest could be made."

MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE

Burien couple rescues child found wandering barefoot on busy street

What is ‘Blackout Wednesday,’ and how is WA law enforcement preparing for it?

How to watch UW Huskies vs. Oregon Ducks

Earthquake reported near WA's Mount St. Helens

Wife found bloodied, accused of Thanksgiving Eve killing in Parkland, WA

King County activates severe weather response protocols

When to travel, not travel in WA for Thanksgiving

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.

Pierce County Crime and Public Safety News Puyallup