Virginia Attorney General’s SAKI Program Secures Landmark Conviction

In a historic verdict, Vernon Lorenzo Gay was convicted in Norfolk for a 1992 rape, marking the first jury conviction achieved through Virginia’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). The case, reopened thanks to advanced DNA testing, highlights the state’s efforts to bring justice to long-unsolved crimes.

On May 5, 1992, the victim was attacked in her home while her three young children slept. Gay entered through a child’s bedroom window, armed with a knife, and sexually assaulted the victim. A Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) was collected after the attack, preserving critical DNA evidence.

In 2022, the Virginia Attorney General’s SAKI program reanalyzed the PERK using modern forensic techniques. By August 2023, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science matched the DNA to Gay, resulting in his indictment. On September 26, 2024, a Norfolk jury found Gay guilty of rape and armed burglary with intent to commit rape.

Gay has been sentenced to 32 years in prison, with an additional 13 years suspended.

Commitment to Justice

“Today’s sentencing is a significant event for SAKI and a tremendous victory for the victim, the first jury conviction of its kind after having reopened and closed a 32-year cold case,” said Attorney General Jason Miyares.  “Criminals should know that time is no deterrent in the face of justice.  Our office is committed to seeing justice served.”

Senior Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Scott C. Vachris and Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Mary Grace V. Godfrey prosecuted the case, with Norfolk Police Sergeant Brian C. Williams leading the investigation.

Transforming Sexual Assault Prosecution in Virginia

Since its inception, Virginia’s SAKI program, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and the Virginia Department of State Police (VSP), has received over $6 million in federal funding. This funding has fueled groundbreaking advancements:

• Eliminating PERK Backlogs: By 2020, all unsubmitted kits were processed, ensuring timely analysis of future cases.
• DNA Advancements: Cutting-edge testing, including forensic genetic genealogy, has been pivotal in solving cold cases.
• Victim-Centered Support: A statewide protocol ensures victims are informed and supported as their cases are reopened.
• Training and Collaboration: Continuous education for law enforcement and prosecutors enhances trauma-informed responses.
• Statewide PERK Tracking: Implemented in 2019, this system improves efficiency and transparency in handling evidence.

Virginia’s efforts have led to justice for numerous victims, reflecting a strong commitment to solving cold cases and addressing sexual violence.

A Broader Impact

This case underscores the importance of testing all sexual assault kits and demonstrates the enduring power of DNA evidence in delivering justice. For the victim, the verdict provides closure and reinforces that justice is still achievable, no matter how delayed.

As Virginia’s SAKI program continues to make strides, its work serves as a nationwide model for addressing cold cases.