The San Jose Police Department is renewing its investigation into the 1984 homicide of 21-year-old college student Kelly Ralston, the department said Thursday.
On August 28, 1984, officers responded to Ralston’s apartment in the 4900 Block of Edgar Court after she was discovered by her roommate suffering from multiple traumatic injuries, police said.
According to investigators, the apartment showed clear signs of a violent struggle, and a knife was recovered at the scene. Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case remained unsolved.
San Jose homicide detectives in collaboration with investigators with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Unit reexamined the case file and found a suspect description that had not been disclosed to the public.
According to police, the person described the possible suspect as a white man between the ages of 32 to 35, approximately 5’7″ to 5’8″ in height, with a thin build and strawberry blond hair. A review of the case file also identified a separate 2005 anonymous tip that indicated that the possible suspect likely lived in the area at the time of the crime.
“Detectives are now conducting a comprehensive review of the original evidence, prior investigative leads, and any additional case materials to determine whether advancements in forensic technology or new information may help move the case forward,” the department said in a Thursday release.
The San Jose Police Department is urging anyone who may have information about this homicide, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to contact Detective Sergeant Barragan and/or Detective Harrington at 4106@sanjoseca.gov and/or 4365@sanjoseca.gov, or by calling (408) 277-5283.
Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org.