Mitchell Gaff, a 68-year-old man, was sentenced on Wednesday to a prison term ranging from 50 years to life for the murders of two women in Washington State during the 1980s. His conviction is a chilling reminder of how modern forensic techniques can unravel cold cases that have stumped law enforcement for decades.
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The long-winded path to justice began with a unique undercover operation that saw detectives masquerading as representatives of a gum company. This unusual approach yielded DNA evidence crucial to linking Gaff to the crimes. During the operation, which took place in January 2024, Gaff was tricked into participating in a taste test for a new chewing gum flavour. As he chewed the gum and disposed of it, investigators collected the discarded pieces for forensic testing.
Court documents reveal that the DNA extracted from the gum matched samples from the murder of Judith “Judy” Weaver, a case that had been inactive since her brutal death in June 1984. Weaver was found inside her Everett home, which had suffered substantial fire damage. Prosecutors allege that Gaff assaulted, bound, and ultimately killed Weaver before igniting the blaze in an effort to destroy any incriminating evidence.
The investigation had been long and intricate, with detectives previously linking Gaff to Weaver’s murder through DNA found on ligatures that bound her. This evidence was uploaded into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which confirmed a match to Gaff, who had prior convictions for other violent crimes. However, without a direct DNA sample from Gaff, the case remained unresolved until this innovative undercover operation was initiated.
Gaff’s connection to the case did not end with Weaver. The investigation also led to uncovering his involvement in the murder of Susan Vesey, who was killed the day after her 21st birthday in 1980. Court records indicate that Gaff attacked Vesey in her home while her young children were present, ultimately resulting in her death. Prosecutors contend that he raped and strangled her, displaying a pattern of violent behaviour.
In April, Gaff pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. During his arraignment, he admitted to the killings, corroborating the investigative findings with specific details about both murders. His confession, along with the genetic evidence, firmly established his culpability in the eyes of the court.
The sentencing took place amid emotional scenes, as family members of Weaver and Vesey filled the courtroom for a final hearing. The pain and loss experienced by these families is immeasurable, and many spoke about the lasting scars left by the crimes. Their presence served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of these heinous acts.
Mitchell Gaff, who had previously changed his name to Sam Price, is not new to the judicial system. He served time in prison for raping two teenage sisters in Everett in 1985, and in subsequent years, courts classified him as a sexually violent predator on two separate occasions. Despite these warnings, he managed to evade law enforcement regarding the cold case murders for many years.
As the old adage goes, “crime never pays.” In Gaff’s instance, this saying rings particularly true, as modern investigative techniques have ensured that he will face significant consequences for his historical crimes. The successful culmination of this case provides a sense of justice for the victims and a warning to would-be offenders: that no matter how much time passes, the law will not rest.
As the community continues to heal from the trauma of these violent acts, attention remains on the importance of forensic science in securing justice. For those impacted by sexual violence, resources and support are available through organisations such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which offers confidential assistance to those in need.