New DNA evidence leads to arrest in 1984 cold case homicide of Everett woman

EVERETT, Wash. — A man was arrested Wednesday in connection to the killing of an Everett woman nearly 40 years ago.

On June 2, 1984, 42-year-old Judith “Judy” Weaver was killed inside her home on Rucker Avenue, according to the Everett Police Department. Officials initially responded to her home for a report of a fire then found her inside.

The suspect, Mitchell Gaff, was booked on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, first-degree rape and first-degree kidnapping. 

According to EPD, Gaff was identified from “new DNA evidence” and was taken into custody by police in Olympia.

KING 5 does not typically name suspects until they are formally charged. However, Gaff’s criminal record shows many similarities to Weaver’s killing. His past convictions show a trend of him tying women up and then assaulting them.

He was convicted of assaulting a woman in 1979 and she was able to escape. Then, five years later, he was convicted of raping two teenage girls in Everett.

After his conviction, Gaff was incarcerated on McNeil Island, a prison that houses those who the state deems to be the most violent sex offenders. In 2006, he was granted release into a halfway house in Seattle.

He is expected to appear in court on Thursday. 

Weaver co-owned a business on Hewitt Avenue and had walked home alone the night she was killed, according to EPD. She was a mother, grandmother and sister. 

“My heart is with Judy’s family and friends as they continue grieving this difficult loss. I also want to commend our police department and our partner agencies for their continued focus on cold cases like this,” Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin said in a press release. 

Everett Police Chief John DeRousse praised Detective Susan Logothetti for her work, which led to Gaff’s arrest.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

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