DNA of Serial Killer Ties Him to 1992 Death of Oregon Woman, 82

The cold case murder of 82-year-old Elizabeth Wasson has been solved with the identification of notorious serial killer Cesar Barone through preserved DNA from the 1992 crime scene.

Wasson, a beloved figure in her community known as "the neighborhood Avon Lady," was found dead in her Hillsboro, Oregon home on September 23, 1992.

Barone, who had been convicted of killing four women in 1995 and sentenced to death, was later linked to Wasson's murder through DNA evidence.

In 2009, Barone passed away in prison, having also been accused of sexually assaulting and strangling three other women who survived the attacks.

Investigation Breakthrough

The case was revisited in 2023 by Hillsboro Police Department Detective Megan Townsend, leading to a breakthrough when DNA evidence from the crime scene was analyzed, identifying Barone as the perpetrator.

Barone's Background

Barone, originally Adolph James Rode, had a criminal history that included serving time in a Florida prison for killing a neighbor before moving to Oregon where he continued his violent crimes.

The Washington County District Attorney's Office expressed hope that solving Wasson's murder would provide closure to her family and the community, emphasizing their commitment to delivering justice regardless of the time passed.