Double murder suspect caught in Georgia due to DNA evidence from decades-old rape kit

In Coweta County, Georgia, a tragic incident unfolded as authorities responded to reports of a suspected murder-suicide early Saturday morning. Deputies discovered two bodies in the driveway and one in the doorway of a residence on Crabapple Court. A fourth individual ran inside the house, followed by a gunshot. A SWAT team was deployed, and the body of the fourth person was later found inside the home. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed pending family notification, and the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, a 34-year-old cold case involving the brutal slayings of siblings in Georgia saw a breakthrough with the arrest of Kenneth Perry, 55. Pamela Sumpter, 43, and John Sumpter, 46, were stabbed in their Atlanta suburb apartment in 1990. Pamela's rape kit yielded male DNA, leading to a recent arrest. The DNA matched a 1992 sexual assault case in Detroit, implicating Perry. He faces multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, rape, aggravated assault, and more. The case highlights advancements in forensic technology that aided in solving what was once deemed unsolvable. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston emphasized the role of scientific and investigative advancements in cracking the case during a news conference. James Sumpter, the victims' brother, expressed hope for justice. The case underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to test pre-1999 rape kit evidence and utilize national DNA databases for solving cold cases. The swift resolution of this long-standing mystery serves as a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the impact of evolving forensic techniques in bringing closure to families affected by violent crimes.