Anaheim Hills, CA — In some cases it can take years before police are able to identify a suspect in a criminal case. In spite of investigators' best efforts, sometimes the trail goes cold and years pass before the next major development in the case.
Over the weekend it was announced that a major break had been made in a 30-year-old murder investigation. On July 2nd, 1981, a 6-year-old boy went missing while riding his bike in Anaheim Hills. The next day his body was discovered, strangled, at a construction site in Pomona.
Over the years the case was reopened multiple times, but investigators were unable to identify a suspect. However, a few months ago, DNA evidence was found connecting convicted child molester Kenneth Rasmuson, 53, to the murder of Jeffrey Vargo. Rasmuson was taken into custody and booked into Bonner County Jail in Sandpoint, Idaho. Although Rasmuson has waived his right to fight extradition, it is unknown when he will be brought to California to face murder charges.
Rasmuson has been convicted twice on child molestation charges and has been classified as a violent sexual predator. In 1982, he was sentenced to Atascadero State Hospital following his conviction for sexually molesting an 11-year-old boy from Santa Barbara. In 1987, he received a 17 year sentence after he kidnapped, molested, and abandoned a 3-year-old boy in Los Angeles.
Jeffrey Vargo’s parents have expressed relief that a suspect is finally in custody. However, they know that it could be quite some time before Rasmuson faces trial.
Under our criminal justice system, serious violent offenses like murder carry the heaviest available penalties, including life in prison and the death sentence. Because of the severity of the possible punishment, it is critical to ensure that anyone convicted of a crime is proven to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and that everyone facing criminal charges has adequate legal representation.
At the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti, we’re proud to have served clients throughout Southern California for over 16 years. In that time, we’ve successfully argued cases involving charges of domestic violence, fraud, theft, sexual assault, DUI, and murder. Our team of dedicated legal professionals know the best strategies for fighting felony and misdemeanor charges in state and federal courts, and they’re here to put their knowledge and experience to work for you. We don’t back down from difficult or high profile cases. Our mission as a firm is to make sure that our clients have a voice in court.
When you come to our firm, your case will receive the kind of individual attention that it needs to be successful. We know how stressful it can be when you’re under investigation or facing criminal charges. That’s why we work so hard to help our clients resolve their legal issues quickly and conveniently.
Ever since we opened our doors, we’ve worked to better serve our local community. We maintain offices in Santa Ana, Irvine, Garden Grove, and Newport Beach that are located near major population centers and local courthouses. We also offer assistance in Chinese, Spanish and other languages as needed.
So if you or a loved one needs help fighting serious criminal allegations in Orange County, call the Law Office of Michael L. Guisti at (714) 707-2797 for a free consultation.
Sources:
Schwebke, Scott. “Idaho man waives extradition in 1981 slaying of Anaheim Hills boy.” http://www.ocregister.com/articles/idaho-656128-slaying-hills.html. Orange County Register. 30 March 2015.
Torres, Zahira and Angel Jennings. “Child molester’s arrest in 1981 slaying of couple’s son brings relief, sadness.” http://www.latimes.com/local/crime/la-me-pomona-cold-case-20150330-story.html. Los Angeles Times. 29 March 2015.