Cold Case Files – Episode Summary: “Manhunt”

Podcast: Cold Case Files
Host: Paula Barros (A&E / PodcastOne)
Original Release: September 2, 2025
Episode Theme:
This gripping episode delves into the national manhunt for James Allen Selby, a prolific serial rapist who evaded law enforcement for years while terrorizing victims across multiple states. With chilling survivor accounts, firsthand law enforcement perspectives, and a focus on the evolving science of DNA forensics, the episode chronicles how an elusive predator was finally brought to justice.

Main Theme & Purpose

The episode “Manhunt” explores the relentless search for justice in a series of sexual assaults and attempted murders committed over several years by James Allen Selby. Spanning Oklahoma, Nevada, California, Arizona, and Colorado, the case highlights the way cold case investigations and DNA databases can finally bring closure to even the most challenging cases. The narrative is anchored by survivor testimony, the trauma endured by victims and their families, the doggedness of investigators, and the eventual impact of forensic breakthroughs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Crimes Begin: Oklahoma, 1999

[00:32]

• Victim: Nine-year-old Sarah Jones is abducted from her home in Noble, Oklahoma and sexually assaulted in a nearby field.
• Family’s Ordeal: Sarah’s mother, Melissa, describes the frantic search for her daughter and the subsequent trauma.
• Early Clue: DNA evidence is collected from a rape kit, but there is no immediate suspect.
• Quote:
  • “Her hair is just everywhere... she’s screaming my name just in such a voice that I’ve never heard before.” – Melissa Jones ([03:00])

2. Initial Investigation & Suspect Emerges

[04:03]

• Investigators: Gerald Moody and Rhett Burnett pursue leads through neighborhood canvassing.
• Prime Suspect: James Selby, a nearby houseguest with a prior sexual assault charge in Arizona, raises suspicions by volunteering information and then fleeing, making him their “number one person to look at.”
  • Quote:
    • “He sent up nothing but red flags... maybe I'm talking to the guy.” – Rhett Burnett ([05:10])

3. New Attacks, New States: Nevada & California

[06:55]

• Nevada, 2001: Detective Tom Miller responds to the rape of a 12-year-old girl. Selby, now a maintenance man, disappears after DNA is recovered from a toothbrush matching DNA at the crime scene ([09:36]).
• California, 2001: Serial rapist strikes four times in San Diego, profile matches with earlier cases.
  • Police Frustration:
    • “We had no idea who we were chasing. We didn’t even have a race.” – Detective Jack Nish ([12:34])

4. A Pattern Emerges: Psychological Profiling and Escalation

• Consistent MO: The attacker covers victims’ faces, assaults under cover of darkness, and evades physical identification.
• Rise in Fear:
  • Increased patrols, community outcry, and pressure on law enforcement.
  • “It’s every woman’s worst fear – to be in the safety of your own home and then have somebody come in and... violate you.” – Detective David Dolan, San Diego ([11:12])

5. Arizona Attacks & Survival

[15:52]

• Victims: Tiffany Nakajima (University of Arizona student), two college students, a 14-year-old, and later Tamara Faust are all attacked within months.
• Brutality: The rapist repeatedly uses a knife, binds and blindfolds victims, often threatens or attempts to kill.
  • Notable Survival:
    • “He put the knife up to my throat and said, 'Are you gonna tell anyone?' ... And then he cut across my throat twice.” – Tiffany Nakajima ([16:50])

6. Breakthrough: CODIS DNA Links & Tri-State Connection

[20:13]

• DNA Coordination: Brian Burritt (San Diego PD) enters unsolved rape DNA into the CODIS national database; Arizona and California get a match ([21:07]).
• Desperation:
  • “At some point, you’re just hoping... hopefully this guy, if we can’t catch him, at least gets arrested and his DNA gets entered into the system.” – Brian Burritt ([21:54])

7. Manhunt Intensifies – The Suspect Identified

[27:06]

• Oklahoma Conference: Captain Moody pushes to run Sarah Jones’s case through CODIS, resulting in a hit that matches Selby’s DNA across all involved states.
• Selby’s Profile: Desert Storm army veteran, transient, and highly mobile, uses VA clinics and homeless shelters to disappear.
  • “We did have enough information that made him probably our number one person... and when he took off, just pretty much solidified it in our mind.” – Rhett Burnett ([05:47])

8. The Arrest: Colorado Springs, 2002

[29:28]

• Debbie Fowler’s Account: VA clinic worker identifies Selby after a call to Tucson authorities—he is calmly apprehended while requesting shoes ([30:04]).
  • Quote:
    • “Do you know who you have in your office? Oh, my God... he is a rapist.” – VA staff relaying Tucson’s warning ([30:04])

9. Prosecution and Jailhouse Insights

[33:03]

• Jailhouse Interview: Detective Malik Madani talks with Selby, noting his control over conversation and lack of confession.
  • Quote:
    • “He just talked. I mean, I barely asked any questions. He was always in control.” ([34:50])
• Media Interview:
  • “He blamed the war a lot, the Gulf War... and he was a decorated veteran too.” – Reporter AJ Flick ([37:00])
  • “It’s a cold feeling when you have to shoot someone you don’t know. You change your whole outlook on life.” – James Selby ([36:40])

10. The Trial and Aftermath

[38:40]

• Selby’s Defense: Chooses to represent himself, tries to argue mistaken identity despite overwhelming DNA evidence.
• Victim Courage:
  • “His voice sounded familiar to me, and it made me nauseous.” – Tiffany Nakajima ([39:31])
• Verdict and Closure: Selby found guilty, then commits suicide before sentencing. Survivors express relief and hope for moving forward.
  • Quote:
    • “I don’t feel cheated with his suicide at all. In some ways, it closes a big door for me.” – Tiffany Nakajima ([40:09])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |---|---|---| | 03:00 | “Her hair is just everywhere... she’s screaming my name just in such a voice that I’ve never heard before.” | Melissa Jones | | 05:10 | “He sent up nothing but red flags... maybe I'm talking to the guy.” | Rhett Burnett | | 11:12 | “It’s every woman’s worst fear – to be in the safety of your own home and then have somebody come in and... violate you.” | Det. David Dolan | | 16:50 | “He put the knife up to my throat... And then he cut across my throat twice.” | Tiffany Nakajima | | 21:54 | “At some point, you’re just hoping... at least gets arrested and his DNA gets entered into the system.” | Brian Burritt | | 30:04 | “Do you know who you have in your office? Oh, my God... he is a rapist.” | VA staff (Debbie Fowler’s recollection) | | 34:50 | “He just talked. I mean, I barely asked any questions. He was always in control.” | Leslie Malik Madani | | 36:40 | “It’s a cold feeling when you have to shoot someone you don’t know. You change your whole outlook on life.” | James Selby | | 39:31 | “His voice sounded familiar to me, and it made me nauseous.” | Tiffany Nakajima | | 40:09 | “I don’t feel cheated with his suicide at all. In some ways, it closes a big door for me.” | Tiffany Nakajima |

Detailed Timeline & Timestamps

• [00:32] — Sarah Jones is abducted and assaulted in Oklahoma.
• [04:03] — James Selby emerges as a suspect and disappears.
• [07:08] — New assault in Nevada; Selby vanishes again after being linked by DNA.
• [11:03] — San Diego sees a spree of stealth attacks by the same suspect.
• [15:52] — Arizona: Tiffany Nakajima’s brutal attack and survival.
• [18:52] — Series of unsolved Tucson assaults, culminating in a DNA breakthrough.
• [20:13–21:07] — Cross-state DNA matches via the national CODIS system.
• [27:06–28:53] — Investigators officially connect Selby to all major attacks.
• [29:28] — Selby is arrested in Colorado after walking into the VA seeking help.
• [33:00–34:50] — Detective and media interviews with Selby, highlighting his mindset.
• [38:40] — Selby’s courtroom theatrics and the collapse of his self-defense.
• [40:09] — Victims reflect on closure in the wake of Selby’s suicide.

Conclusion

“Manhunt” is a sobering look at the cost and complexity of serial predation, the hard-won victories of forensic science, and the resilience of victims. Through methodical investigation, survivor bravery, and advances in DNA technology, a years-long nightmare is ended for several victims and their families. The case also serves as a testament to the rare but critical success stories in America’s ongoing struggle with unsolved violent crime.