DNA Match Solves 2017 Georgia Rape Case, Leads to Arrest of 66-Year-Old Man
MACON, Ga. — Investigators in Bibb County say a DNA match has solved a 2017 rape case, leading to the arrest of 66-year-old Robert Lee Carter, nearly eight years after the original crime.
Cold Case Cracked by DNA Technology
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office announced that Carter was identified after investigators matched evidence collected in 2017 to a DNA profile from a 1989 rape conviction. The breakthrough came through a national database search that linked Carter to the earlier unsolved case.
Officials say DNA from the 2017 investigation had been preserved and entered into the state’s forensic system, where it recently generated a direct match.
“This case demonstrates the power of DNA technology in bringing justice to victims, no matter how much time has passed,” said an official with the sheriff’s office.
Suspect in Custody Without Bond
Carter, who was arrested earlier this week, has been charged with rape and remains held without bond at the Bibb County Jail. He appeared in court Tuesday, where a judge confirmed that bond would not be granted due to the severity of the charges and his prior record.
Authorities have not released additional details about the victim but confirmed that the assault occurred in Macon, and that the case had gone unsolved for years until the DNA match was confirmed.
Past Conviction Key to Identification
Court records show Carter’s 1989 conviction for rape resulted in his DNA being added to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The match with the 2017 case evidence provided investigators with the lead they had been waiting for.
Forensic experts say advances in DNA technology and cross-state data sharing have led to a growing number of cold case arrests nationwide.
Ongoing Investigation
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office continues to review Carter’s criminal history to determine whether he may be linked to other unsolved sexual assaults in the region. Authorities say more charges could follow if additional connections are uncovered.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to share their thoughts on justice for cold-case victims and the role of forensic science in solving long-unsolved crimes. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for updates on this developing story.
