Detectives Try To Solve Sexual Assault Cold Case In Merrifield

MERRIFIELD, VA — Fairfax County detectives ask for the public's help in solving a 1995 sexual assault cold case that happened in Merrifield.

The incident happened in August 1995 in the 8100 block of Prescott Drive. Police say a suspect entered the 24-year-old victim's apartment while she was sleeping, showed a weapon and sexually assaulted her. A struggle started during the assault, with blood evidence showing the suspect likely got an upper body injury.

The suspect was last seen fleeing from a patio door. The victim did not need medical treatment, police said at the time.

The suspect's identity was never identified after a state forensic lab tested DNA isolated from the victim's blood and other DNA from the scene. The DNA profile from the suspect did not have a match when searched in the Virginia data bank.

"This case is about seeking justice for the victim," said Maj. Ed O’Carroll, commander of the Major Crimes Bureau, in a statement. "Victims of horrendous attacks like this one, no matter how long ago, should not and will not be forgotten."

Police have released an original sketch of the suspect from August 1995, a digital enhancement of the sketch, and a sketch of what the suspect may look like now at 45 to 55 years old. The suspect is described as a man with a medium complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 8, or submit a tip through Crime Solvers.