Police Reopen Cold Case, Release Suspect Info to the Public

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Credit: San José Police Department

The San José Police Department is renewing its investigation into the 1984 homicide of 21-year-old college student Kelly Ralston.

On Aug. 28, 1984, officers responded to Kelly’s apartment in the 4900 Block of Edgar Court after she was discovered by her roommate suffering from multiple traumatic injuries. The apartment showed clear signs of a violent struggle, and a knife was recovered at the scene. Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case remained unsolved.

As part of an ongoing review of cold cases, SJPD Homicide Detectives in collaboration with investigators assigned to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office Cold Case Unit,  recently reexamined the case file and found a suspect description that had not been disclosed to the public. The person described the possible suspect as White male adult, approximately 5’7” to 5’8” in height, 32-35 years old, with a thin build and strawberry blond hair. A review of the case file also identified a separate 2005 anonymous tip that indicated that the possible suspect likely lived in the area at the time of the crime.

Detectives are now conducting a comprehensive review of the original evidence, prior investigative leads, and any additional case materials to determine whether advancements in forensic technology or new information may help move the case forward.

The San José Police Department is urging anyone who may have information about this homicide, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to contact Detective Sergeant Barragan #4106 and/or Detective Harrington #4365 of the San José Police Department Homicide Unit via email: [email protected] and/or [email protected], or by calling 408-277-5283.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.

Republished courtesy of SJPD



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