Cold case DNA match leads to rape charges decades after Montgomery County assaults
GAITHERSBURG, MD – A DNA hit pulled from evidence collected nearly four decades ago has reopened two sexual assault cases and led to felony charges against a Virginia inmate, as investigators warn more victims may still be unidentified.
Montgomery County officials announced charges against Carl Rice Jr. of Mitchells, Virginia, in connection with two sexual assaults that occurred in 1988 and 1990 near the border of the District of Columbia. An arrest warrant was issued December 9 charging Rice with multiple counts including first-degree rape, kidnapping, first-degree sex offense, and assault.
The first case dates to June 24, 1988, when a woman leaving the Friendship Heights Metro station was approached by a man described at the time as a teenager. Investigators say she was forcibly pulled across the street and sexually assaulted.
The second incident occurred September 19, 1990, when a woman accepted a ride from a man who identified himself as Kevin. According to investigators, the victim attempted to exit the vehicle after becoming uncomfortable but was physically restrained. She was driven to an area in Bethesda, where she was sexually assaulted.
The case broke open in February after a CODIS DNA match connected Rice to evidence recovered from the 1988 assault. Because the crimes occurred near Washington’s boundary, the investigation was conducted in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Cold Case Sex Assault Unit.
Rice is currently serving a prison sentence in Virginia and has prior arrests in other jurisdictions related to rape and sexual assault.
Investigators say the nature and timing of the crimes raise concern that additional victims may exist. Anyone who believes they may have information related to Rice is urged to contact Montgomery County police or Crime Solvers.
Key Points
- A DNA match linked a Virginia inmate to two Montgomery County sexual assaults from 1988 and 1990
- Carl Rice Jr. faces multiple felony charges including rape and kidnapping
- Investigators believe additional victims may still be unidentified