After nearly 17 years, prosecutors believe they have solved the kidnapping and rape of a 9-year-old Buckley girl.
Suspect Donald Victor Schneider, now the prime suspect in a cold case that has gone unsolved since 1995, will be arraigned for child rape in Pierce County Thursday.
It was a DNA sample that led prosecutors to Schneider, a repeat sex offender already serving a life sentence in the Walla Walla State Penitentiary.
Back in September 1995, a little girl was found in the woods near Buckley after she was abducted and raped.
At the time, police and parents put up flyers to warn other families around her neighborhood, but no suspects turned up.
However, DNA testing done back in May linked the case to Schneider, 53, according to Pierce County prosecutors.
Schneider is currently serving life without parole for a 2007 conviction on first degree rape and unlawful imprisonment. He previously served 10 years in prison for attacking a 14-year-old girl in 1982 as she walked home.
He has already been transferred from Walla Walla to the Pierce County Jail.
Pierce County prosecutors expect to release more information about the case later Wednesday.
Bookmarks