| For Immediate Release Case # 07CF2378 July 31, 2007 |
Contact: Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 |
DNA LINKS CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER TO 1995
COLD CASE RAPE AND KIDNAPPING
SANTA ANA – A convicted sex offender in prison serving a 60 year sentence has been charged for a 1995 Orange County rape after being linked to the crime through DNA evidence. James Edward Short, 32, Calipatria State Prison, has been charged with forcible rape, sexual penetration by foreign object, kidnapping to commit a sexual offense, and kidnapping. If convicted on all counts, Short could face a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison, which would be served concurrent to the 60 year sentence he is currently serving. He will be transported for arraignment tomorrow, Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-5, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On June 13, 1995 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Jane Doe was waiting at a bus stop in Anaheim when the defendant pulled over and offered her a ride. Short is accused of driving her to Orange. He is accused of raping her in the car while parked on the side of the road. Short is accused of then starting the car and driving away with the victim, and digitally penetrating her. Jane Doe was able to eventually escape from the vehicle and Short fled the scene.
On January 17, 1997, Short was convicted in Orange County in a separate rape case and his DNA was entered into a national database. The DNA evidence from the 1995 rape of Jane Doe was later re-reviewed and linked Short to the crime.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Karen Schatzle of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.
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