Man arrested in 40-year-old rape and murder case after forensic genealogy investigation
A man has been arrested in connection with a 40-year-old rape and murder case in Virginia Beach. Charles Randell Berry was linked to the crime through forensic genealogy testing, which was made possible by grant funding. The victim, Roberta Walls, was murdered in 1986, and police had previously eliminated over 30 suspects before identifying Berry.
- ▪Roberta Walls was 22 years old when she was raped and murdered on May 15, 1986.
- ▪Charles Randell Berry was arrested in Connecticut and is awaiting extradition to Virginia.
- ▪The investigation into Berry's involvement was aided by a DNA profile developed in 2001.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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 Department ShareAdd 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.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at NBC News — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from NBC News — Top
