Convicted rapist arrested after 24 years thanks to DNA evidence
- On December 6, 2000, a quadriplegic woman was sexually assaulted in her Concord apartment.
- Police collected DNA evidence, but despite numerous leads, the case remained unsolved for years.
- The recent DNA match led to the arrest of 50-year-old Michael Lamonte Evans, providing closure for the victim's family.
In a significant breakthrough for cold cases, Concord police have arrested Michael Lamonte Evans in connection with a sexual assault that occurred on December 6, 2000. The victim, a quadriplegic woman, was attacked in her apartment on Monument Boulevard, where it was reported that the assailant forcibly broke in and committed the crime. At that time, police collected DNA evidence that was submitted to a national DNA database. However, despite various leads, the case went unsolved for over two decades, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in cold cases where timely evidence collection is crucial. Tragically, the victim has since passed away, and her family and friends provided significant support throughout the investigation, assisting authorities as they pursued leads in the years that followed. Recently, police received a long-awaited DNA match, finally linking Evans, who is now 50 years old and resides in Los Angeles, to the crime. Authorities acted quickly, obtaining a warrant for his arrest while he was already in custody on unrelated charges in Los Angeles County. Following his arrest, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office filed charges against Evans for forcible rape. As the case progresses, he remains in custody awaiting extradition to face charges in Contra Costa County. Authorities set his bail at $1 million, reflecting the severity of the charges. This arrest not only brings some closure to the case but also sheds light on the importance of DNA evidence in solving decades-old crimes. It demonstrates how advancements in forensic science and persistent detective work can culminate in justice, even after many years have passed. Overall, the arrest serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of violent crimes on victims and their families, even long after the incidents occur. The Concord Police Department's announcement underscores the effectiveness of patience and continuous investigation in pursuing justice for victims, celebrating a moment of determination and resolution in a case that had seemed hopeless for so long.