Cold case double homicide beginning trial on Monday ATLVault

Jury selection is set to begin for Kenneth Perry, who stands accused of the 1990 double homicide of siblings Pamela and Joseph Sumter in DeKalb County, Georgia. The case, which had gone cold for decades, was revived through DNA evidence that linked Perry to the crime scene. DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston's cold case team played a pivotal role in the investigation, utilizing federal funding from the U. S. Department of Justice to analyze Pamela Sumpter's rape kit, which contained DNA from her attacker.

This evidence was instrumental in matching Perry's DNA to an unprosecuted sexual assault case in Detroit, where a victim identified him as her ex-boyfriend. The brutal attack took place in a Stone Mountain apartment, where Pamela reported being sexually assaulted and stabbed before her death, while her brother was found dead in a neighboring unit. The trial, initially scheduled for February, was delayed at the defense's request and is expected to capture significant local interest due to its historical context and the tragic nature of the events. This case underscores the critical role of forensic advancements in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families. The upcoming proceedings will be closely monitored as a testament to the enduring pursuit of justice.