A 54-year-old man has been charged over the alleged rape of a 13-year-old boy in 1991 after police used DNA technology to track him down.
Police allege the boy was riding his bicycle through the Carine Open Space, in Perth’s north, when he was confronted by a man who restrained him and then sexually assaulted him.
Detectives used new research techniques in genetic genealogy for their investigation, as well as traditional police work.
Chief Inspector Rohan Ingles of the Special Crime Squad said they had been able to bring more historical cases to court using the technology.
A 54-year-old man has been charged over the alleged rape of a 13-year-old boy in 1991 after police used DNA technology to track him (Photo: Central Law Courts in Perth, WA)
Police allege the boy was cycling through the Carine Open Space (pictured) in Perth’s north when he was confronted by a man who restrained him and then sexually assaulted him.
“Forensic evidence at the scene led to the Investigative Genealogy Team becoming involved in the case in early 2024, leading to the creation of a family tree of almost 3,500 people,” Mr Ingles said.
‘With methodical hard work, the IGG team reduced the sample size, which led to the Special Crime – Homicide team investigating further and arresting the man for a crime he allegedly committed more than 30 years ago.’
A Kingsley man has been charged with deprivation of liberty and two counts of aggravated sexual assault.
He faced the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday, with Magistrate Tom Hall saying the incident was one of the worst he had heard.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear in court again in July.