DNA evidence from the 1990’s landed a suspect behind bars regarding a sexual assault case
Dulaine Lotharp, 55, has been arrested and charged in connection with a 32-year-old sexual assault cold case that occurred in Charlotte, NC back in 1993 and 1994. See more cold case articles here.
The cases involved two separate sexual assaults. The first was on July 22, 1993, a female victim reported that she was sexually assaulted by physical force by a suspect who was unknown to her. The victim later went to Carolinas Medical Center where a sexual assault kit was completed.
Sexual DNA and semen was found on the female.
Over a year later, on Thursday, Aug. 25, 1994, another female victim was attacked and sexually assaulted by a suspect while walking on a wooded path. Police were called and the victim was transported to the hospital where a sexual assault kit was completed.
No arrests were ever made and the case went cold. 32 years later after advancements in DNA technology were made, detectives were able to retest evidence, leading to the alleged DNA match of the suspect.
At the time of these assaults, detectives worked diligently to identify the suspect but were unsuccessful. DNA technology was still in its early stages and limitations in forensic testing during this time often meant that critical biological evidence could not be fully analyzed.
Sexual Assault Cold Case Detectives eventually picked up the case. Through federal funding, detectives were recently able to submit DNA samples for retesting.
On Aug. 30, 2025, Dulaine was arrested charged with rape and kidnapping.
