DNA links serial killer to 1992 murder of Oregon grandmother
Elizabeth Wasson (Credit: Washington County District Attorney’s Office)
HILLSBORO, Ore. - More than three decades after the killing of a beloved Hillsboro grandmother, investigators say new DNA evidence has linked her murder to a notorious serial killer.
Dig deeper:
Authorities believe infamous serial killer Cesar Barone was responsible for the 1992 murder of Hillsboro resident Elizabeth Wasson.
What they're saying:
"For years, this family lived without answers. Today, we’re finally able to give them the truth they deserved from the beginning. Our thoughts remain with them, and we honor the life of Elizabeth Wasson by ensuring this case is no longer left in silence," Detective Townsend said in an online news release.
"While many years have passed, we hope this result brings some closure to the victim’s family and to the community. This office remains dedicated to delivering justice for victims and their loved ones, no matter how much time has passed," Chief Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown added.
Wasson’s family expressed relief that this case is now closed as they are respectfully requesting privacy at this time, according to authorities.
The backstory:
Wasson, 82, was found murdered in her Hillsboro home on September 23, 1992, according to The Washington County District Attorney’s Office’s.
Known to many as the neighborhood Avon Lady, she was a beloved widow of a pastor and a trusted presence in her community.
Despite an extensive investigation, the case remained unsolved for more than three decades.
In 1995, Cesar Barone was convicted of murdering four women and sentenced to death. He also sexually assaulted and strangled three other women who survived the attacks.
Although Barone was previously considered a suspect in Elizabeth Wasson’s murder, investigators at the time were unable to directly link him to the case.
He died in prison in 2009.
In 2023, Hillsboro Police Detective Megan Townsend reopened the investigation, submitting physical evidence from the crime scene to the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory for additional testing.
Analysts identified male DNA on the evidence, which forensically linked Barone to Wasson’s killing.
The Source: Information in this story was provided by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and the Hillsboro Police Department, primarily through an official news release detailing the findings of the Cold Case Unit. This story was reported from Los Angeles.