Home / Crime and Justice / 30-Year Cold Case Solved: Man Charged in 1996 Murder
30-Year Cold Case Solved: Man Charged in 1996 Murder
12 Feb
Summary
- Man arrested 30 years after woman's death
- DNA evidence linked suspect to 1996 sexual assault
- Suspect faces murder, rape, and sodomy charges
After nearly 30 years, a Los Angeles man has been charged in the cold case murder of Claudia Guevara, whose body was discovered in a drainage ditch in Azusa in February 1996. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced the development on February 9, just days before the 30th anniversary of Guevara's disappearance.
DNA evidence implicated Brian Walton, 63, in Guevara's sexual assault and stabbing death. Authorities stated Walton did not know Guevara. He has been charged with murder, with special circumstance allegations of murder during the commission of rape and sodomy.
Guevara was reported missing on February 20, 1996, after being dropped off at a bus stop in El Monte. Her nude body was found the following day near Encanto Parkway. She had been stabbed and sexually assaulted.
Walton was arrested on February 5 and is being held without bail in Los Angeles. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman highlighted the family's agonizing wait for justice. If convicted, Walton faces a life sentence without parole or the death penalty. A decision on seeking the death penalty will be made later. Walton's next court appearance is scheduled for March 18.
