In a major development, the use of advanced DNA technology has led to the arrest of a suspect in a cold case rape that occurred 31 years ago in Montgomery County, Maryland. Xavier Battice, a 62-year-old California man, was apprehended by the Montgomery County Police Department’s major crimes cold case unit and charged with rape.
The incident took place on September 24, 1992, when the victim, a female, exited a bus near Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Battice allegedly followed her to a nearby park where he sexually assaulted her before fleeing the scene. Despite years of investigation, the case remained unsolved until now.
Thanks to advancements in DNA technology, evidence obtained from the crime scene was sent to the crime laboratory for analysis. A DNA profile was created and submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which matched it to Xavier Battice.
With the match in hand, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Battice, charging him with two counts of second-degree rape and a single count of second-degree sexual assault. It was discovered that Battice had been living in California, prompting Montgomery County detectives to contact the Morgan Hill Police Department for assistance. Battice was subsequently arrested and held in California before being transported back to Montgomery County for processing. He is currently being held without bond.
The authorities are now expressing concerns that there may be additional victims connected to Battice. They urge anyone with information about the crime or who may have been a victim to come forward and contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.
This breakthrough in DNA technology and its successful application in solving a 31-year-old cold case rape highlights the potential of genetic genealogy in cracking long-standing mysteries. Cece Moore, chief genetic genealogist at Parabon, emphasizes the significance of these advancements and the impact they can have on bringing justice to victims and their families.
As this case unfolds, law enforcement agencies are hopeful that further breakthroughs can be made in other unsolved cases, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims find closure.
