Nearly four decades after the brutal murder of 18-year-old Hispanic Christine Gallegos, Salt Lake City Police have been able to solve the case thanks to advances in DNA technology and forensic genealogy.
The announcement was made on May 15, 2025, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the crime that shocked the community. On May 15, 1985, Christine Gallegos disappeared while on her way to work in downtown Salt Lake City.
A crime that rocked Utah in 1985
Christine Gallegos’ body was found hours later on Jefferson Street near the former Derks Field stadium.
The young woman had been beaten, stabbed and shot twice in the head.
The crime scene showed signs of an intense struggle, evidence that Christine attempted to defend herself from her assailant.
Technological advances that made it possible to solve the case
For years, authorities collected evidence and conducted multiple interviews, but the case remained unsolved.
In 2023, Detective Cordon Parks of the Salt Lake City Police Department consulted with the Utah Cold Case Review Board, which recommended the use of forensic genealogy to identify the suspect.
Thanks to a grant from the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), DNA samples were sent to Othram Labs, a laboratory specializing in cold cases.
Genetic analysis identified Rickie Lee Stallworth as the alleged killer.
Stallworth, a U.S. Air Force aviator assigned to Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah, was 27 years old at the time of the crime.
He died of natural causes in July 2023, before the authorities could question him.
Familial DNA confirmation
To corroborate the suspect’s identity, investigators voluntarily obtained a DNA sample from one of Stallworth’s sons.
Comparison with evidence collected in 1985 confirmed the genetic match, allowing the case to be officially closed.
Leah Gallegos, Christine’s mother, expressed her gratitude to the authorities for not abandoning the investigation.
“They never stopped seeking justice for my daughter,” she said during the press conference.
Aunque el sospechoso no enfrentará cargos debido a su fallecimiento, la familia encuentra consuelo en saber que se ha identificado al responsable
QuéOnnda.com
Was justice done for Christine Gallegos?
Buzzy
This solved case underscores the importance of emerging technologies in solving old crimes and offers hope to other families seeking justice.
For the Hispanic community in the United States, it is a reminder that, though time passes, the search for truth and justice continues.
The resolution of the murder of Christine Gallegos highlights the commitment of the authorities and scientific advances in the fight against crime.
Although justice came late, it offers closure to a family that waited nearly 40 years for answers.
Find out more at QuéOnnda.com.
