Modern day DNA tech helps convict more and more true crime suspects, and this week the news arrived that Mitchell Gaff, faced with new evidence, finally pleaded guilty to multiple murders. Read on for more details.
The 1980s Murders
CNN reported on the weekend, that Gaff was responsible for two cases from the early 1980s, and Judy Weaver and Susan Vesey lost their lives. These days, the current case of Gaff proves conclusively that cold cases don’t always stay cold forever. But it was the unusual way of getting the DNA that seems fascinating.
The outlet explained that undercover detectives tricked him into trying some new gum. One of the agents said they could hardly feel any more excited when the suspect sampled some gum and then calmly spit it out into a dish.
The DNA Was Important Verification
It wasn’t the only DNA, but the cops needed a new sample to verify that Mitchell Gaff was definitely the rightful man accused of the murders. Apparently, they already held a sample from a 1984 crime scene on his profile in CODIS.
The outlet noted that the “small dish of spit provided the undeniable link needed to tie Gaff to the 1984 murder of Judy Weaver and, eventually, the 1980 killing of Susan Vesey.”
Pre-Planned Violence
It took a long time to get Gaff to face the music and many true crime followers seem angry because of missed opportunities. Back in 1979, he attacked a Washington State Patrol officer, Jacalyn O’Brien, in her own garage.
However, for some reason, he ended up on probation. And he was still on probation when the murders happened. Plus, it turns out that the unremorseful killer carefully planned his attacks on vulnerable women.
Talking about premeditation, he even admitted that he spent time literally hunting for victims. In his plea, the court heard that he searched for unlocked doors, eventually strangling and raping his victims before attempting to burn the evidence of his crimes.
With a history of sexual assault and an attitude towards women, it seems incredible that it took decades and a new DNA sample to finally see Mitchell Gaff face some justice.
What’s Next?
After entering his guilty plea on April 16, Mitchell Gaff waits for his sentencing. That happens on May 13. Hopefully, he gets the anticipated sentence of life imprisonment without the chance of parole..
After all, when cops found Susan Vesey, the young mom had been tied up, beaten, raped, and then strangled. When the 68-year-old suspect pleaded guilty, it removed the possibility of a long trial.
Viewers React
In the comments of a recent video by KOMO News about the new DNA, people couldnt help but clap at the investigators. One of them opined, “Everett PD is responsible for her killer not being found (or even really looked for) in the first place! They deserve ZERO credit! They got luck, thats all!”
Here are a few more responses from the discussion:
- that DNA aint no JOKE! TO ALL THE ONES WHO THINK THEY GOT AWAY FROM THOSE CRIMES THEY THINK NOBODY SEEN, YOU BETTER RUN…CAUSE THE FEDS AND Mr.DNA ARE COMING.
- If they had prosecuted him back then, he would have been out to see the 90s anyway.
- How many more has he killed. I imagine it wasn’t just those two women. RIP to the two women. You did not deserve that.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your true crime news and updates. Plus, we do have a crime channel on TikTok that you can follow.