Dna bombshell cracks 1989 rape case after decades of silence — handcuff

Cold case cracked as DNA links Beaver County man to 1989 rape

Pittsburgh, PA — A decades-old sexual assault case in Allegheny County has led to charges against a 65-year-old Beaver County man after DNA evidence collected in 1989 was matched through a national database.

The investigation began on January 17, 1989, when a female victim arrived at a hospital following a reported sexual assault in Reserve Township. Detectives with the Allegheny County Police Department’s General Investigations Unit were assigned to the case, and a sexual assault evidence collection kit was completed. DNA evidence was recovered at the time, but no suspect was identified.

In November 2024, detectives were notified of a Combined DNA Index System match by the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner. The DNA profile was linked to a convicted offender in the Pennsylvania State Police database, identified as Lewis Vearnon.

Investigators obtained a search warrant to collect a new DNA sample from Vearnon. Testing confirmed a statistical match to the DNA evidence collected from the victim in 1989, according to officials.

Vearnon has been charged with rape, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. He was taken into custody on April 15 and is being held in the Beaver County Jail pending extradition to Allegheny County.

Police have not released additional details about the victim or the circumstances of the assault.

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Key Points

DNA evidence from 1989 sexual assault matched to suspect through CODIS
65-year-old Beaver County man charged with rape and kidnapping
Suspect in custody awaiting extradition to Allegheny County

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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