Cold Case Files: REOPENED - Innocence Stolen
Introduction and Case Overview
In the February 27, 2025 episode of Cold Case Files, host Brooke Giddings, alongside investigator Bill Curtis, delves into a harrowing series of unsolved sexual assaults in Rochester, New York. Titled "REOPENED: Innocence Stolen," the episode explores how advancements in forensic technology and relentless investigative efforts brought closure to victims whose cases had remained dormant for over a decade.
Initial Assaults and Impact on Victims
The case centers around Crystal Seiler, a 13-year-old girl who was brutally assaulted while waiting for her school bus in November 1995. Crystal recounts her traumatic experience:
“The person came up from behind me and he told me not to say anything and covered my mouth.” [00:02:06]
Crystal's assault was not an isolated incident. Within a short period, a series of teenage girls faced similar attacks, instilling fear and uncertainty within their community. The assailant remained free for ten years, allowing him to continue his predatory behavior.
Investigation Challenges
Sergeant Mark Mariano led the initial investigation, facing the daunting task of identifying a perpetrator who left little evidence. Crystal provided a vague description of her attacker—“a black male, probably about 5, 6, 5-7, medium build” wearing “puffy clothes and a dark jacket” [00:02:45]. Despite heightened patrols and numerous stops targeting potential suspects, investigators received hundreds of leads that ultimately led nowhere.
As the attacks continued, pressure mounted on the police force. Detectives Dan Gleason and Mariano intensified their efforts, saturating neighborhoods with patrols during early morning hours. However, the distinctive modus operandi (MO) of the attacker made it difficult to pinpoint his identity without concrete evidence.
“We would stop anybody who fit the general description in hopes of finding out why they might be passing through the neighborhood.” [00:08:51]
Despite these efforts, the serial rapist case went cold when the attacks abruptly ceased. It wasn't until two years later, in 1999, that investigators revisited old case files, hoping for a breakthrough.
Breakthrough via DNA Evidence
A pivotal moment in the case occurred when DNA analysis connected the rapist to a previous assault from 1993. Allison Eastman at the New York State Crime Lab discovered that the DNA profiles from all four attacks matched the same individual, yet yielded no matches in existing databases [00:11:50]. This revelation prompted a search for any prior offenses that could be linked to the DNA.
Sergeant Mariano and his team unearthed a 1993 rape case involving a 15-year-old girl, which shared similarities with the Rochester assaults. Although the statute of limitations had expired for the 1993 incident, the DNA match provided a crucial lead.
“The identification came not from a name but from a DNA profile.” - Assistant District Attorney Mike Green [00:14:08]
With the DNA evidence in hand, the prosecution team faced the challenge of indicting a suspect without a name. They employed a "John Doe indictment," leveraging the unique DNA profile to effectively "name" the perpetrator legally, thereby freezing the statute of limitations.
Arrest and Trial of Keith Lamar Laster
The DNA profile led investigators to Keith Lamar Laster, a small-time criminal residing in Eufaula, Alabama. Detective Richard Peterson orchestrated a lineup that allowed one of the victims, Erica Penn, to identify Laster confidently:
“I pointed him out right then I was like, that's him.” [00:19:42]
Upon his arrest, Laster was brought back to Rochester for questioning. Despite overwhelming DNA evidence, Laster claimed that his encounters with the victims were consensual, a stance that deeply conflicted with the accounts of the victims.
“In our opinion, nobody would buy that.” - Detective [00:22:48]
The prosecution relied heavily on DNA evidence to build their case, as Laster remained uncooperative and denied any wrongdoing.
Aftermath and Resolution
In June 2005, Keith Lamar Laster was convicted on all four counts of rape and sentenced to over 85 years in prison. This conviction marked a significant closure for the victims, who had endured years of fear and trauma.
“He can't give me back what he did to me. He can't give any of the other females anything.” - Crystal Seiler [00:24:50]
While the legal victory was a relief, the emotional scars endured by the victims remained profound. They grappled with understanding why these atrocities occurred and sought personal closure beyond the court's judgment.
In 2012, Laster attempted to challenge his conviction by filing a writ of habeas corpus pro se, arguing that his detention was wrongful. However, his petition was denied, solidifying his status as a convicted felon serving his sentence in New York State, with parole eligibility set for 2030.
“These girls don't have to look over their shoulders anymore.” - Officer Dan Gleason [00:24:17]
Conclusion
"Innocence Stolen" serves as a testament to the power of forensic science in resolving cold cases and delivering justice to survivors of heinous crimes. Through meticulous DNA analysis and persistent investigative work, Cold Case Files highlights how advancements in technology can transform despair into resolution, offering a semblance of peace to those affected by long-unsolved crimes.