DNA processing in Salisbury rape case
Christopher Gibbs Junior is finally behind bars after walking free for almost 16 years.
It was DNA evidence that linked him to a sexual assault on East Isabella street in Salisbury.
It was the evening of July 22nd 1999 when investigators say Gibbs allegedly forced the victim into her home and raped her. Following the attack the victim managed to call police. She was taken to PRMC for treatment where a rape kit was completed. We’re told the DNA evidence collected was immediately sent to the Maryland State Police Crime Lab. But it would be over a decade before investigators would find a match.
47 ABC spoke with lead investigator of the case Detective Matthew Thompsen who tells us, “If the suspect hadn’t had any involvement or reason to have his DNA entered from 1999 to 2014 his DNA would not be there.”
In 2002 the rape case was suspended and 12 years would pass with no resolution for the victim. During that time, Gibbs had a number of run-ins with the law but before 2008 federal law prevented law enforcement from collecting DNA upon arrest only on conviction or if there was a search warrant. It wasn’t until 2011 that that law would change.
Thompsen also tells 47 ABC, “Not everyone’s DNA is accessible our DNA is only taken for certain crimes so if you haven’t had a criminal action take place in your life you wouldn’t have DNA in the database in Maryland.”
And that’s exactly what happened in 2014 when Gibbs was arrested on burglary charges. His DNA was sampled and entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, which alerted local authorities to a match. It may have taken more than 15 years to catch Gibbs but this case is an example of why having a rape kit completed is so important.
Thompsen tells 47 ABC, “It needs to be a high priority for the victims to have that done for the prosecution to take place and for the investigation to be completed properly. The rape kit for this was imperative without it we would’ve not been able to get a conviction.”
Gibbs was convicted of second degree rape on March 23rd and will be sentenced on May 8th.
If you or someone you know are the victim of rape and aren’t sure what to do, officials say to notify the police right away. You may also call 800-656-HOPE.
