A 39-year-old cold case may have come to a partial conclusion after the Long Beach Police Department arrested a 61-year-old man last month in connection with the rape and murder of an unidentified woman. Police still seek help identifying the victim, Jane Doe #40.
With the help of funds from a National Institute of Justice “Solving Cold Cases with DNA” grant, LBPD’s cold-case investigators were able to focus their attention on the case that had remained unsolved for nearly four decades. The woman, who has only been identified as Jane Doe #40, was found on Alamitos Beach near Alamitos Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in May 1974.
The investigation headed by Detectives Todd Johnson and Malcolm Evans lead to a possible suspect/witness who lived in Texas. When interviewed by investigators, the man confessed to helping dispose of the woman’s body. It’s yet to be determined what charges, if any, will be filed against the man in relation to his involvement.
After the Texas man’s confession, investigators were able to locate and arrest 61-year-old Gary Stamp, a California resident, after he admitted to the rape and strangulation of the unidentified victim. He said he later disposed of her body on the beach. Stamp couldn’t provide any additional information about the victim’s identity, however, other than her first name may have been “Anna”. Stamp is scheduled to be arraigned June 12, 2013 in Long Beach Superior Court.
The victim is estimated to be either a white or Hispanic woman, approximately 5’2”, 135 pounds and in her early 20’s . There was also a distinguishing scar on the top of her left hand. A rendering of the victim has been made available with the help of the National Center for the Missing and Exploited Children.
Long Beach Police are encouraging anyone with information regarding the identity of Jane Doe #40 to contact Detectives Johnson or Evans at (562) 570-7244.
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