Missouri man arrested in Hillsborough County sexual assault case over 20 years old

TAMPA, Fla. – After more than two decades, cold case investigators say they have arrested a Missouri man for a sexual assault that occurred in 2000.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Walter Leon Rutherford, 59, was arrested on two counts of sexual assault. He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who accepted a ride from him on March 7, 2000, near Browder Road and Henderson Road in the Citrus Park area.

Detectives said they collected DNA evidence from the victim to try to catch the unknown suspect. However, sheriff’s office officials said they had “exhausted” all leads and were considering it a cold case.

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The case was later reopened in 2022 by HCSO’s Special Victims Unit under the “Cold Case Prosecution Using DNA” grant. Investigators said they used advanced forensic genealogy to develop a family tree related to the suspect.

HCSO detectives requested and received a sample of Rutherford’s DNA from the Stone County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri. After comparing Rutherford’s DNA, authorities say it matched DNA collected at the crime scene in 2000.

Deputies said Rutherford was arrested and is currently being held at the Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County.

“This case is a powerful reminder that time does not diminish our commitment to justice,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our Special Victims Unit, using modern technology, has been able to bring closure to a victim who has waited more than twenty years for answers. We hope this brings comfort and peace to the victim as she continues to heal.”

Solving the case required coordination between HCSO’s Special Victims Unit, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Parabon Nanolabs.

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