A suspected serial rapist from Massachusetts accused of committing heinous crimes nearly 35 years ago was finally apprehended in California after leading law enforcement officers on a dramatic car chase in Los Angeles County.
Stephen Paul Gale, 71, was wanted for multiple counts of aggravated rape, kidnapping, and armed robbery of two women at a convenience store in Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1989. After eluding authorities for decades, Gale was identified as the suspect through forensic genetic genealogy.
The terrifying incident at the Hit or Miss Store involved Gale brandishing a .357 Magnum handgun, forcing the female employees to undress, and sexually assaulting them at gunpoint. The victims managed to escape to a nearby home after the assault.
Despite collecting evidence and obtaining a DNA sample at the crime scene, it wasn’t until 2001 that a DNA profile was developed. Unfortunately, the profile did not match anyone in law enforcement databases at the time.
Gale, who lived in various states and had ties to organized crime, used multiple aliases to evade capture. However, thanks to advancements in forensic technology, authorities were able to track him down and bring him to justice.
In addition to the 1989 incident, Gale is also wanted for questioning in connection with a series of rapes that occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in cold case investigations and serves as a reminder that justice can be delayed, but it will eventually be served.
