Gary Ramirez, 78, was sentenced to life in prison for the 1982 rape and murder of 15-year-old Karen Stitt in Palo Alto. After being left alone at a bus stop by her boyfriend, Karen was found brutally stabbed 59 times. Although the investigation was stagnant for decades, advancements in DNA technology and a community tip in 2022 eventually led to Ramirez's arrest in Hawaii. The Santa Clara County District Attorney emphasized the perseverance of law enforcement, ensuring Karen's legacy of being 'not forgotten' despite the long wait for justice.
Over 40 years ago, Karen Stitt lost her life, but she was not forgotten. Today, thanks to a dedicated detective, a persistent prosecutor, and our crime lab, the person responsible is behind bars.
The victim was sexually assaulted and stabbed 59 times in her neck, chest, abdomen and back, according to a medical examiner's report.
A truck driver found her body in the bushes below a cinder-block wall near the bus stop around 10:45 the following morning.
The case went cold for decades until new DNA technology and a community tip led investigators to arrest Ramirez at his Maui residence in 2022.
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