Man arrested in 40-year-old rape and murder case after forensic genealogy investigation

U.S. newsMan arrested in 40-year-old rape and murder case after forensic genealogy investigationThere were no DNA matches for suspects until grant funding allowed investigators to pursue forensic genealogy testing, according to Virginia Beach police.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Roberta Walls.Virginia Beach Police DepartmentShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 21, 2026, 1:24 PM EDTBy Doha MadaniA man was arrested in Connecticut this week after officials in Virginia say new evidence links him to the murder and rape of a woman 40 years ago. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Roberta Walls was 22 years old when she was raped and murdered in Virginia Beach on May 15, 1986, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department. A preliminary investigation at the time showed she had been stabbed multiple times in addition to being sexually assaulted. Police have worked tirelessly over the years attempting to find the person responsible for Walls’ murder, but have continually hit dead ends. That changed Wednesday, when officials announced the arrest of Charles Randell Berry in connection with the case. Police were led to Berry by a forensic genealogy investigation that was possible thanks to a grant from the Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The investigation was based on a DNA profile developed in 2001 by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. Detectives were able to obtain Berry’s DNA through a search warrant. “The cold case squad continued to pursue the investigation into Berry’s involvement and ultimately presented the case to the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for consideration of charges,” Capt. Michelle Wyatt told reporters Wednesday.Prior to Berry being identified, police said they eliminated more than 30 suspects through DNA testing.Virginia Beach Police Department hold a press conference on Wednesday on the arrest.Virginia Beach Police DepartmentBerry had no known tie...