Ending a 24-Year Nightmare: The Spartanburg Rapist Caught by Familial DNA and Determined Librarian
Police in Spartanburg, South Carolina, were left puzzled for over two decades as they failed to catch a serial rapist who first struck in 1995. The brutal and strategically-timed attacks, largely carried out during the early hours of the morning, targeted lone women and girls in their homes, spreading fear across the city. The attacker’s reign of terror continued until 2003, when it suddenly stopped. For the victims, this merely signified an end to the violent attacks, but peace of mind regarding the rapist’s capture eluded them.
From Library Shelves to a Breakthrough
However, when officers found themselves at an impasse, they sought out assistance from an unlikely source: a public library. To be specific, they enlisted the help of Charity Rouse, an experienced librarian, and a specialist in the field of genealogy. Together, they embarked on a unique journey that, within six months, traced a path to Gregory Frye, the possible attacker, via an ambitious combination of genetic genealogy research and traditional police work.
Genetic genealogy, a recent phenomenon, involves using genetic material left at crime scenes to trace back and fully construct a family tree, often leading them to the real criminals. As in this case, Frye’s DNA matched with the materials taken from the crime scene, and he also matched the composite sketch provided earlier. As a result, the one-handed mechanic, aged 57 and almost forgotten while living a seemingly normal life, was taken into custody.
Trial and Triumph
In June 2024, Frye was tried and convicted for a series of crimes including burglary, sexual misconduct, and kidnapping. The decision to pursue a single case was based on the availability of DNA evidence that directly linked Frye to six assaults, helping streamline the trial process. And so, the first successful prosecution in South Carolina based on genetic genealogy was achieved, and it provided validation for this burgeoning investigative method.
Significance of Genetic Genealogy
The potential of genetic genealogy has gained significant attention following its use in solving the infamous Golden State Killer case. Detectives in California combined genealogical and forensic evidence to capture Joseph James DeAngelo, a perpetrator responsible for a series of murders and rapes spanning more than a decade. The resulting international attention has marked genetic genealogy as a revolution in solving cold cases, breathing new life into investigations where conventional methods fail to deliver.
The Role of Every “Hero”
From Sharon Emory, the brave victim who took the stand, to the diligent officers who wouldn’t let a cold case freeze, Charity Rouse, who switched from librarian to detective, every person played a significant role in this case. Despite the painful ordeal, the collaborative effort to bring justice served as a testament to the strength of the community and the immense potential of combining traditional police work with scientific advancements to achieve a just outcome.
The Path Ahead
Yet, as much as genetic genealogy spells triumph for law enforcement, it also echoes concerns over privacy rights. Several states have introduced legislation to regulate access and utilization of open-source DNA databases by law enforcement agencies. But for a victim like Sharon Emory, the closure to her 24-year-old ordeal has been worth the complex journey.
Despite the debate still surrounding its use, successes such as this Spartanburg case do much to solidify genetic genealogy’s standing as an essential tool in the field of criminal investigation. As the stories of such victories unfold, we are left with a sense of admiration for the relentless pursuit of justice and the unexpected power of genealogy.
Article published on November 14, 2024.
