DNA Links Inmate To Rape Of 14-Year-Old OKC Girl

A DNA match has linked an Oklahoma inmate with the rape and kidnapping of a 14-year-old Oklahoma City girl.

The case had grown cold for more than two years. The charges were just filed today against that 19-year-old prisoner. His DNA matched the sample taken from that young rape victim. And for now, he is the only one being linked to the disturbing crime.

The police report states it was back in November of 2009, that a 14-year-old girl was walking home from school when she was approached by two men.

It happened near N.W. 19th and Purdue. She says the men told her to get into their car, but she refused and kept walking. That's when one of the men came up behind her, wrapped his gloved hand around her nose and mouth and grabbed her.

The police report states she thought there was some type of chemical on the glove and she passed out.

When she came to she says that's when she discovered one of the men on top of her.

"She woke up being sexually assaulted inside the car, she was then forced out of the car and left," MSgt. Gary Knight said.

Though she was not able to give police a good description of her attacker, police did conduct a rape exam and were able to get a DNA sample to run through CODIS, the national database.

"In order to get a CODIS hit we need a viable sample," Knight said.

Turns out they got one, and just last month police got a match with 19-year-old Jenzel Woodfork. He is currently in prison for breaking into someone's house.

"Now DNA can point to a specific person and there is no doubt in anyone's mind that it is that person it is that exact of a science," Knight said.

Sgt. Knight says DNA evidence has helped them take the guesswork out of positively identifying suspects.

In fact it was a CODIS hit that helped solve the Norman murder of Julie Busken. And positively identify the OU ballerina's killer.

Police say DNA technology continues to advance, making their searches faster and more efficient and giving them the ability to solve more crimes.