DNA: chewing gum blows open killer's 40-year murders; detective warns there may be victims Judith Weaver, Susan Vesey
DNA connects Gaff to murders
The report says chewing gum provided the DNA that connected him to the killings, decades after the murders. The case renewed attention to Gaff’s earlier history of sexual violence.
Earlier admissions in records
Court records show Gaff admitted to six rapes during state psychological evaluations years before the DNA evidence connected him to the murders. A judge later ended his civil commitment, allowing him to live in the community without restrictions under Washington’s sexually violent predator program. Gaff was unconditionally released from civil commitment in September 2018.
Questions about possible victims
Gaff’s convictions have raised questions about whether there were other victims, given his history of sexual violence before his release. Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a forensic psychologist and author who was not involved in the case, told Fox News Digital that disregarding a predator’s admissions carries dangerous risks.
Key points
- DNA from chewing gum linked Mitchell Gaff to two 1984 murders in Everett, Washington.
- Gaff, 74, received a sentence of 50 years to life in prison.
- Court records say he admitted to six rapes during psychological evaluations.
- His release from civil commitment in 2018 has prompted questions about possible additional victims.