September 11, 2025
PHOENIX, Ariz. — A major breakthrough in several cold cases has led to the indictment of a 55-year-old man suspected of being linked to multiple sexual assaults stretching back decades, Arizona and California authorities announced this week. Advances in DNA technology have enabled forensics teams to connect evidence from a 1994 sexual assault case in California to four previously unsolved sexual assaults in the Phoenix area.
Key Details of the Case
- The central figure is Abraham Ramirez, aged 55. He was indicted in Maricopa County on 11 counts including sexual assault and kidnapping.
- The breakthrough came from re-examining a 1994 sexual assault case in Ventura County, California. At the time, the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. A sexual assault kit collected then was recently retested under the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (VCSAKI).
- The renewed DNA profile was uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which yielded matches not only to the 1994 case, but to four unsolved sexual assaults in Phoenix — two from the late 1990s (1998, 1999) and two from 2013.
Statements from Authorities
Sheriff Jim Fryhoff of Ventura County emphasized the long-delayed justice:
“This case proves that no matter how much time has passed, we will use every tool available to pursue justice and stand with survivors.”
The Ventura County District Attorney, Erik Nasarenko, also highlighted the critical importance of forensic science in resolving cold cases. The county’s crime lab played a key role in generating the DNA profile that made these connections possible.
Scope and Implications
- The VCSAKI was launched in 2022 with the mandate to test every untested sexual assault kit in Ventura County. The program is aimed specifically at “cold cases” — ones in which earlier technology or investigative resources were insufficient to identify a suspect.
- Authorities say that this latest case underscores both the value of preserving physical evidence and the improvements in DNA testing and databases over time. Even after decades, matching DNA profiles can unlock new leads and hold people accountable.
What’s Next
- Ramirez will face prosecution in Maricopa County for the four additional Arizona cases, beyond the original 1994 case in California.
- Investigation continues to determine whether there are more cases that may be tied to him, especially given the span of years over which the assaults are alleged to have occurred.
Conclusion
The case serves as a powerful example of how cold case initiatives, forensic science, and persistent investigative work can bring long overdue justice to survivors. While the passage of time can complicate investigations, these recent developments demonstrate that even decades-old cases are not beyond resolution.
