Yeah, I'm amazed that they even thought to get DNA from under her nails when DNA was just about even heard of.

It's pretty cool that they had the foresight to preserve such things in anticipation that DNA would one day be almost perfect. Good job guys. Now the family can feel a slight bit of comfort. RIP.

On another note, I wonder if he killed anyone else between then and now. If so, I hope he opens up and gets this off his conscience.

I'm only sorry it took 28 years. As the silver lining of a rather dark cloud, I like to imagine his horrified surprise, when the long arm of the law reached out for him, 28 years after his crime.

He probably thought that he was safe.

Just think maybe ten years down the road science may solve any crime, I'm not sure what to expect from that but a least it would stop the Jackal type killing people that think they can cover it up.

@Creek Dog, Don't assume it was ever on his conscience. A lot of times we assume that it has to eat at them because it is not something we could ever fathom doing. Glad what he did in the dark has now came to light. But they said they sent the info away in Jan '10. You mean it still took 3 years after DNA fingered him.

Only you.

Newswinner101

Really? No one is bringing up the fact that she was an illegal immigrant???

And this matters how?

lol good one...

thanks for a good laugh.

With technology booming the way it is today, making today's inventions obsolete in a year, I wish they could figure out a way to attach probes to someones temples within a 1/2 hr of being killed or just died that could play back on a laptop exactly what they seen.

I know, Duh! Impossible. You're crazy. Heh heh. Why not?! We can send a probe to Mars with a battery of tools that can be manipulated from Earth. Just a crazy idea.

Look at it his way, how many ideas have been termed "insane", "crazy", "that'll never work", that actually did work. We have college students working on all kinds of crazy things nowadays that seem impossible but that's why they're trying them.

Can't keep doing the same experiments time and time again when the world continues to technically move forward.

It's just like the lottery, can't "win" if you don't "play".

OK now, I opened the door for scrutiny but what the hell, I'm crazy enough to stick my neck out on the line since I speak my mind anyway...

40 or 50 years ago you could get away with murder...

Anything even a little bit younger than that, ends up in a cold case unit. And if there's evidence? You might've gotten away with murder for a little bit, but modern technology will allow the cops to eventually catch up to your sorry butt...

Glad there's one more murderer off the streets... I hope the woman's family is finally getting the justice they thought was far gone.

Thinking you can get away with murder nowadays is a foregone conclusion for many--note to criminals: even without a body, you can get nailed.

If his DNA was in the data bank then he has been arrested in the past, so odds are good that he continued his life of crime and perversion. I'm glad he's off the streets.

I'm sorry, but why did this take 28 years to solve? DNA evidence has been used for decades now and it's SOP to remove ANY evidence from under the victim's fingernails.. It sounds to me like someone dropped the ball big time on this.. The only way I can think of that it would have taken so damn long is if the suspect's DNA was just recently put into the national database, but, considering he's already a convicted felon, I find this highly unlikely..

It's sad her family had to wait so long for justice but I'm glad they got it at last...

One less murdering animal roaming the streets, but it raises some interesting questions. This scumbag has been out there for 28 years, and probably not living a saintly life. He has been convicted of other crimes, so how many times has he gotten away with it, and what are the chances that some innocent people are in prison for his dirty work? Most likely, pretty good.

danimyl because it's a illegal immigrant and we are really hurting for money. Why should we waste money that we desperately need to solve the murder of a criminal?

#1.17 Newswinner - Why should we waste money that we desperately need to solve the murder of a criminal?

Wow. Your thinking is really warped. Why should we "waste money" looking for your killer one day? You don't matter any more than she did. Not all values are based on monetary worth.

Hi, CD.

With technology booming the way it is today, making today's inventions obsolete in a year, I wish they could figure out a way to attach probes to someones temples within a 1/2 hr of being killed or just died that could play back on a laptop exactly what they seen.

Hang tight, it will come... the Israelis will probably invent it.

To the rest of you... it was a cold case, and with all the current cases waiting for DNA to be run on them, cold cases are not a priority. He's already in prison for another crime, and his DNA was likely run to prove his involvement in the current crime; sometimes the people working on cold cases will add evidence they have to see if they can get a match, playing a wild card. Sometimes, as in this case, it pays off.

Newswinner -

Everyone knows how I feel about illegals. However, illegal or not (and we don't know if she was) she was murdered. And on the balance scales of both life and justice, a killer outweighs an illegal alien when it comes to which one I'd personally rather see behind bars, so yes, I would want our resources used to get the SOB off the streets. How about you?

At long last, rest in peace, young lady.

Newswinner101, you are a very disturbed and sad individual. Please stop making a complete a-hole of yourself now. Thank you!

I'm always glad when a Monster is caught.

"The wheels of justice grind slowly but they grind exceedingly fine."

I'm sick of my tax dollars being wasted on illegal immigrants. And you know what? I don't think we should be wasting money finding gangbangers who kill other gangbangers. Hell, stick them all on an island, arm them, and then let them kill each other off. We SHOULD kill all illegal immigrants. I'm tired of em, the guy who did it is a hero.

"new" technology?? I've seen some cool stuff that is already being used...Hi-tech stuff....On CSI.....

How did they still have her DNA? wasn't she buried or maybe they exhumed her? that part I don't get, but I guess the bottom line is that they got the guy.

@JFC

They took the evidence from under her fingernails back at the time they were initially investigating the crime, and wisely, they kept it.

My question is whether the fact that the victim had the accused's DNA under her fingernails is enough to convict him of anything beyond a reasonable doubt. The article points out that the victim had no previously-known connection to the accused, so what does the fact that she had his DNA under her fingernails tell us beyond a reasonable doubt?

That she scraped a piece of his gum off of her shoe? That she reached out to him to save her while someone else strangled her to death? That a strand of his hair had fallen onto her coat and she had pulled it off?

I think it's a close call that this one fact alone was enough to get an arrest warrant. I think they have to develop something more to get a conviction.

If he is found Guilty then he needs to be taken out back and SHOT..... Capital Punishment means nothing unless carried out, and done in a Timely Manner.....

My question is whether the fact that the victim had the accused's DNA under her fingernails is enough to convict him of anything beyond a reasonable doubt. The article points out that the victim had no previously-known connection to the accused, so what does the fact that she had his DNA under her fingernails tell us beyond a reasonable doubt?

Interesting question.

I'd say that if the DNA was found on some chewing gum then it would only prove that she had somewhat poor hygiene. But if it was derived from some human tissue, then it proves that she was in very close contact with him within minutes, and more likely, seconds of her death. So if she reached out to him to save her, I'd ask why did he not save her, or at least report the crime.

At the minimum, that would make him an accessory after the fact in the murder.

I'd have to see how the evidence is presented at trial, but off hand, if I were on the jury, I think this might be enough for me to vote guilty.

RonB, your comments read like a defense attorney clutching for anything to exonerate a client. The rest of us have enough common sense to figure out that a stranger's DNA under the finger nails of a murder victim is a proverbial smoking gun.

Newsloser, You are a despicable troll. Your stupid attempt to rile up anger by lauding a murderer merely exposes your lack of common sense. On the scale of threats to society, illegal aliens fall well below murdering career criminals. Too bad your extreme view is only held by a few...

I love science and I have no sympathy for criminals, but wonder: what if the victim got into a fight with Garcia on the street or at a club and scratched him because he said or did something inappropriately, with him leaving, and with her later being killed by a different person? How do the police determine that his DNA under her fingernails proves that he murdered her? People don't just scratch people when they are being murdered.

I dont think its totally uncommon for people to get scratched when they are being strangled. They will do anything to try to break free. Its logical she scratch his arm or hand trying to loosen them. Do you think a she is just going to stand there?

Good point, Nikolaus20. This is a good job by law enforcement, but I suppose now they need to get a confession, or more evidence to really show they have their man. I suppose generally speaking, our minds takes the short cut, and links this DNA result with "convicted offender", and logically(?) concludes/assume "guilty". But indeed, although it points in this "convicted offender" direction, I suppose more evidence is needed.

MvanLWD

@katie, I think you missed Nikos point. He is saying that scratching during a murder is not the only reason people scratch. He gave examples that maybe they just got into a fight and she hit him. Then later on she left and was murdered. The question was how do the police know that the DNA is from the murderer and not just someone with whom she had a fight. That is probably what a defense attorney would use to bring up doubt I would think.

Katie is correct. What are the odds that someone would have someone skin, other than the murderers, under their fingernails on the day they were strangled? I would suggest you think back on your own life and figure out how many times you had someones skin under your own nails. My guess is it would be a very insignificant number. A little common sense says the guy is guilty.

This is a bit similar to the OJ case, where OJ had a bleeding cut on the same hand as the killer, who left a small trail of blood on one side. OJ said he cut it on a glass.

Ralph, ideally, we are convicted of crimes because proof of guilt exists beyond a shadow of a doubt. We are not convicted of crimes (hopefully) because "a little common sense" helped a jury to tie up loose ends. If you had an itch on your back and your wife or girlfriend scratched it for you, that person would then have your skin cells and DNA under her fingernails. If she was found murdered an hour later, your DNA - under her fingernails - could possibly have you convicted of a murder that you didn't commit. You like what common sense does for you in this instance?

Yes Nick- Ideally for a conviction you would have evidence beyond a shadow of a doubt, but it is not a perfect world. I think you are spending too much time scratching your a$$ for an argument, instead of using a little common sense. While your "what if" scenario could happen, as I said before, the odds are infinitesimal.

Think about it for a few seconds. Have you had anyone scratch your back in the past year? I haven't. Then to have yourself killed on the one day when someone happened to scratch your back, not by a gun, but by strangulation, where a person's first reaction would be to scratch and claw at the attacker, is quite a stretch.

Good morning Windy; great post. It is good there is no statute of limitation on murder. Glad one more horrible person is off the street.

Morning raleigh dolly, thanks, and yes, I am so grateful there is no limit. This brought tears to my eyes, just thinking about this woman's family finally getting some closure after 28 years. When you have lost a loved one, the emptiness just never goes away. To be able to start to have closure now, must be so amazing for them. I am sure they wondered if it would ever come!

While this monster thought he got away with his crime, though I suspect he looked over his shoulder, and in the back of his mind, it lay eating at any sense of peace. Who knows, he may have even killed others and more may come yet.But for this family at least,they can stop wondering and perhaps looking at strangers on streets, asking themselves, the,"Is it him?" questions so many do in such cases.

There are millions upon millions here in America who are guilty of murder and has gotten away with it.. But that will soon be changed and those that haven't repented for shedding innocent blood will meet the Supreme Judge of all that there is... Those that are found guilty will be forever separated from God and there will be gnashing of their teeth and never ending thirst for all eternity.

Yes Watchman. As criminal technology advances we become better able to identify the guilty, and in some instances release the innocent who had previously been convicted.

To this womans family and friends. I am sorry it took so long for justice for Saba's murder, but her day has finally come.

My sister was murdered more than 30 years ago. I would still like to know that her killer was in custody and would live out his life as a guest of the prison system.

My sister was murdered 11 years ago and the killer was caught and charged with murder but he plea bargained down to involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to 8 years of which he served 4. My sister was 16 at the time of her death. Sometimes the justice system fails us even when the perpetrator is caught and those of us left behind can do nothing.

Case broke b/c of DNA under the woman's fingernails. Play on words.

You are so right because I am sure some lawyer will get him off some how like so many before and that is so sad to think that could happen.

While I agree Carol that many get off on some technicality or another, DNA doesn't lie. There are few reasons WHY your DNA would be captured under another persons fingernails.

sanityplease-3654800

Why are we capitalizing the word dumpsters?

Because the word was originally part of a brand name. Two brothers devised a truck that could pick up trash and transport a container. The brothers were named Dempster, and the container was the Dempster Dumpster. For the same reason, the word "tape" should be capitalized in "Scotch Tape", as should Band-Aid, Kleenex, and ChapStick.

Why are we capitalizing the word 'twice'?

Very interesting Denver Bill 2. Did you also know that the zipper was not originally called a zipper? Nor did the Zipper Co. invent said zipper (separable fastener). They started to produce it and it just became common to call it a zipper and they lost their trademark due to becoming "too generic". Kleenex fights tooth and nail to ensure that other companies use "facial tissue" so that they too do not become too generic and loose their trademark.

annon-2801871

Did you also know that the zipper was not originally called a zipper? Nor did the Zipper Co. invent said zipper (separable fastener).

I did not know that. Thank you.

Yes, but in this case they didn't say a "Dempster Dumpster" as in Scotch Tape, this time they just said a dumpster, which should be lower case, as in "I put some tape on it". I wouldn't type "I put some Tape on it". I know this is off the subject, but SanityPlease is correct in this instance. I just had to add my two cents.

These comments have gone sooo off-point, I've forgotten what I was going to "say."

Oh yeah, something about giving up on spelling and grammer errors ..................

I have noticed in every article I read that "Dumpster" is capitalized. It is a formal name or title and is correctly written with a capital letter.... Whenever the name of a company is used, it is correct to capitalize the first letter: (Ford, Chevrolet, GE, Microsoft...)

I'm glad you love science. Unfortunately, most Republicans hate science because it contradicts their world view.

Really? You know most Republicans? I don't know any that hate science. BTW, not a political article, take your crap somewhere else.

Cool and thanks!

Great work Chris! Thanks.

Backlog?

If they let him out, a 7.62 to the ear should complete his sentence. Double tap to be sure.

I think I know the case you're referring to. Don't worry, that's all I'll say.

Xmas Dog, I am so sorry, your right the rich Lawyers make or break deals; mostly the make deals for the bad guys that would rape again. Too bad the lowest life form rapest get out and rape again, my suggestion is to prepare yourself. Put your keys between your fingers when you walk out some where, and carry a small bottle of hair spray not mace. Mace gets on him and you and it burns and stings, it makes it harder for you to fight. My rapist was my father from the time I was born til I was about eight, my sister who were older protected us as we barracaded ourself in our rooms even on hot summer nights. We told the school, the neighbor, our Police friend nothing was ever done-we never told our mother until much later. My mother was also raped by my father, he was a rich alcoholic pond scumb lowest form sicko. He died in his sleep in our home Country, where none of our family went to visit him.

Why would you think anyone is stupid enough to pay any attention to your 'cut and paste' advertising?