19-Jun-2014

Jury takes less than an hour to convict rapist

Butler, PA

In 2002, a Butler County woman was awakened one night in her bedroom by a masked intruder. He threatened her with a knife, and raped her. DNA evidence was collected, and uploaded to the CODIS national DNA database. The case stayed cold until 2010, when a database hit identified Ralph Skundrich as a suspect.

In June of 2014, the case went to trial in Butler County. Based on objective TrueAllele® computer results, Cybergenetics scientist Dr. Mark Perlin testified that a match between the DNA evidence and Skundrich was 81 billion times more probable than coincidence.

After less than an hour of deliberation, the jury found Skundrich guilty of rape and other charges, largely based on DNA. Skundrich was already serving 75-150 years for an Allegheny County rape conviction; Dr. Perlin had testified in that jury trial as well.

• Jury takes less than an hour to convict rapist - Newspaper
• Skundrich convicted in 2002 rape in Cranberry - Newspaper
• Man facing 75 years for rape convicted of another - Newspaper
• Man found guilty in Shadyside, Butler rapes - Newspaper