A man has been found guilty of a series of violent crimes, including the murder of a mother of two, committed nearly 25 years ago in Washington State. Miguel Urbano-Vazquez, aged 50, was convicted on November 3 in connection with the rape and murder of Sharon Van Gilder, in addition to three rapes that also occurred in the vicinity of Tacoma in March 2002.
The conviction stemmed from a protracted investigation that began in 2012 when DNA evidence linked Urbano-Vazquez to the violent rapes. However, he evaded capture for a decade. It wasn’t until 2023 that he was apprehended and subsequently extradited back to the United States to face justice for crimes that had long haunted the victims and their families.
Sharon Van Gilder’s tragic story began on the night of her murder, when she was last seen leaving a bar with two men. Her body was discovered abandoned by the roadside in South Hill, around 20 miles southeast of Tacoma. The horrific circumstances surrounding her death shocked the local community and left her family grappling with loss and unanswered questions for years.
During the trial, Urbano-Vazquez was found guilty of first-degree murder after evidence revealed that he had strangled and raped Van Gilder. In addition to the murder charge, he was also convicted of first-degree rape with a deadly weapon and second-degree rape. The jury’s decision guarantees that he will face a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Following the verdict, Brenda Doty, a cousin of Van Gilder, expressed relief and gratitude outside the courtroom, stating, “Justice has come, and that he can no longer hurt anybody else.” Doty conveyed the deep sense of closure the family felt with the verdict, saying, “I was so thankful, and our families were thankful, that the verdicts all came back like we thought they were going to.”
The conviction of Urbano-Vazquez has been met with mixed emotions, primarily relief from those affected by his crimes. The passage of time had not dulled the pain felt by the victims and their families, and this outcome represents a measure of justice for them after enduring years of uncertainty.
Urbano-Vazquez remains in custody in Pierce County Jail and is awaiting his sentencing, which has been scheduled for December 11, 2026. Until then, he will not be granted bail, reflecting not only the seriousness of the crimes committed but also the potential threat he poses to society.
The case has reignited discussions regarding public safety and the importance of cold case investigations that rely on advancing DNA technology. Prosecutors hope that the conviction of Urbano-Vazquez will serve as a reminder that perpetrators of violent crimes can still face justice, regardless of how much time has passed.
As the families of the victims seek healing, they are also reminded of the ongoing fight against violence in their communities. With Urbano-Vazquez’s conviction, they find a glimmer of hope that such crimes will be met with swift justice and that victims’ stories will be heard.
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