Chewing Gum DNA Key in Solving 1980 Cold Case Murder
A breakthrough in a 1980 cold case murder investigation in Oregon was achieved through DNA extracted from a discarded piece of chewing gum, resulting in the arrest and conviction of a suspect, according to prosecutors.
DNA discovered in a discarded piece of chewing gum helped solve a cold case murder from 1980 in Oregon. Robert Plympton, aged 60, was recently convicted of one count of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder in the case involving the killing of Mt. Hood Community College student Barbara Tucker.
Nineteen-year-old Tucker was tragically kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and beaten to death on January 15, 1980, as mentioned in the release. Charges of rape and sexual abuse against Plympton were dismissed, according to a document from the DA's office.
Plympton had maintained his innocence, and his legal team has expressed their intention to appeal his convictions. "We plan to appeal, and we firmly believe that his convictions will be overturned," stated attorneys Stephen Houze and Jacob Houze in a message to CNN.
Plympton remains in custody in Multnomah County while he awaits sentencing, the DA’s office said. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June.
Witness heard screaming
Barbara Tucker
Barbara Tucker
The DA's office document stated that witnesses saw a woman in distress around the time of the murder. One witness saw a woman waving her arms with a bloody face, while another witness saw a man peeking through the bushes near the college parking lot.
A man reported hearing a woman screaming and spotting two figures in the distance. Another witness mentioned seeing a woman with mud on her pants, frantically waving her arms on the side of the road.
Detective D.K. Wood escorting Elroy Harrison this morning after his arrest for the 1986 murder of Jacqueline Lard.
Detective D.K. Wood escorting Elroy Harrison this morning after his arrest for the 1986 murder of Jacqueline Lard.
Stafford County Sheriff's Office
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Tucker’s body was found the next morning near a parking lot by students heading to class at a college in Gresham, according to the DA’s news release.
“These cold cases are not lost or forgotten for our department,” then-Police Chief Claudio Grandjean stated in response to Plympton’s arrest in June 2021.
Our officers see each case as representing a person with a unique story. The hope is that by continuing to investigate these tragic stories, justice will be served and closure will be brought to their families.
During Tucker's autopsy, swabs were taken and used to create a DNA profile of the suspect, as stated in the DA's news release.
A break in the investigation came after police asked Virginia-based DNA technology company Parabon NanoLabs to look at the profile and try to identify possible matches.
On May 30, 1974, skeletal remains of two victims were found in a shallow grave in Ledyard after Connecticut State Police obtained the location from a witness of a doublehomicide that occurred on December 31, 1970. The witness stated that the two decedents had been fatally shot. The female victim has been identified as Linda Sue Childers of Kentucky. Conversations with the family confirmed her whereabouts in the northeast throughout the years before her disappearance. It is gratifying to have helped identify Linda and, most importantly, give her family some answers.
On May 30, 1974, the skeletal remains of two victims were discovered in a shallow grave in Ledyard. This discovery was made after Connecticut State Police received information from a witness regarding a double homicide that took place on December 31, 1970. The witness mentioned that both victims had been fatally shot.
The female victim has been identified as Linda Sue Childers from Kentucky. Through conversations with her family, it was confirmed that she had been in the northeast leading up to her disappearance. It is a relief to have been able to identify Linda and provide her family with some closure and answers.
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DNA and investigative work help identify murder victim nearly 50 years later
A test called "snapshot phenotype prediction" was used to predict physical traits based on DNA, helping genetic genealogists narrow down possible suspects. This was deemed crucial in the case by Parabon's Chief Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore.
During the process of constructing family trees of individuals who shared DNA with the sample provided by the police, Moore came across World War II draft record cards of red-headed men.
"This case was the most confident red hair prediction that Parabon scientists had ever made," Moore shared with CNN. "There was a very high likelihood that the individual who committed the heinous crimes against Barbara had red hair."
"This information was crucial as it directed my attention to a specific family line with red hair. Following this lead eventually led me to Oregon."
Suspect placed under surveillance
In March 2021, Moore was able to identify Robert Plympton as the likely suspect, she said.
Investigators began surveilling Plympton and managed to collect a piece of chewing gum that he spit out, which matched the DNA profile from the autopsy swabs. As a result, Plympton was arrested on June 8, 2021.
Tucker's sister, Susan Pater, expressed her surprise and joy in an interview with CNN affiliate KATU. She mentioned that she was amazed by the development and considered it to be really good news, as she had already lost hope.
Moore describes the case as one of the most memorable moments in her genetic genealogy career.
She mentioned, "We can't always provide a happy ending, but I feel lucky to be able to assist families and survivors of violent crimes. It holds a lot of significance for me."
Editor's P/S:
The resolution of the decades-old murder of Barbara Tucker is a testament to the unwavering determination of law enforcement and the power of DNA technology. The discovery of DNA in a discarded piece of chewing gum not only provided a crucial breakthrough but also underscores the importance of preserving evidence, no matter how seemingly insignificant. It is a chilling reminder that even the smallest trace of evidence can hold the key to unlocking the truth and bringing closure to families who have endured years of uncertainty and pain.
The use of "snapshot phenotype prediction" to identify physical traits based on DNA is a remarkable advancement in forensic science. By narrowing down the suspect pool based on hair color and other physical characteristics, genetic genealogists were able to zero in on Robert Plympton as the likely perpetrator. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize criminal investigations and bring justice to victims who have been waiting for answers for far too long. The successful prosecution of Plympton is a victory for both the victim's family and the community, who can now find solace in knowing that a dangerous criminal has been brought to justice.
