The Brief
Decades after the 1984 killing of Kelly Ralston, investigators have uncovered information about a suspect description that was not initially made public at the time of the crime.
The possible suspect is described as a white man, approximately 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-8, between 32 and 35 years old at the time of the crime. He had a thin build and strawberry blond hair.
Authorities also recovered a 2005 anonymous tip suggesting the killer likely lived in the vicinity of the crime.
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Cold case investigators reexamining the 40-year-old killing of a college student have uncovered information that had not been made public for decades.
Roommate found victim
What we know
Detectives from the San Jose Police Department and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Unit are probing the Aug. 28, 1984, death of Kelly Ralston. Ralston’s roommate found her dead in their shared apartment on the 4900 block of Edsgar Court.
Authorities said she suffered from multiple traumatic injuries. The apartment showed clear signs of a violent struggle, and investigators recovered a knife at the scene.
Previously undisclosed suspect description
Dig deeper
While reviewing cold case files, investigators discovered a suspect description that had never been publicly released.
The possible suspect is described as a white man, approximately 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-8, between 32 and 35 years old at the time of the crime. He had a thin build and strawberry blond hair.
Investigators also found a separate anonymous tip from 2005 suggesting the suspect likely lived in the area at the time of Ralston’s death.
Authorities seek public assistance
What you can do
After four decades, the case remains unsolved. Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.
Those with information can contact Detective Sgt. Barragan or Detective Harrington at 408-277-5283.
The Source
This story was written based on information from the San Jose Police Department.