Rape Conviction a Milestone in DNA Testing in Virginia

MANASSAS, VA — A man convicted last week in a 2014 rape and abduction was located with the help of Virginia’s Forensic Science Department — the program’s 10,000th “cold hit.”

A jury convicted Robert James Williamson on charges of rape, forcible sodomy, abduction with intent to defile, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, according to Manassas City Police.

On Aug. 21, 2014, a 24-year-old Manassas woman accepted a ride home from a stranger in Tysons Corner. After reaching Manassas, the driver stopped in the area of LIberia Avenue and Stonewall Road and threatened the victim with a gun.

He drove to Byrd Park where he sexually assaulted the victim, according to police. The driver eventually left the victim at the park and she ran to a citizen for help.

The DNA evidence and the victim’s description of the suspect helped to identify Williamson, according to police.

The jury has recommended a life sentence in the rape and 88 years on the other charges. Final sentencing will be May 5.