DNA yields suspect in 1990 Los Angeles slaying

Alma Harvey, 82, was found raped and strangled in 1990, her killer leaving behind physical evidence. New technology results in the arrest of Isidro Ponce, 48, in the case.

January 13, 2009|Richard Winton

Los Angeles police detectives said Monday they had made an arrest in the nearly two-decades-old rape and murder of an 82-year-old woman, thanks to new DNA evidence.

On Feb. 26, 1990, Alma Harvey was found raped and strangled at her house in the 800 block of East 32nd Street in Los Angeles. During the initial crime scene investigation, homicide detectives discovered physical evidence left behind by her killer.

This physical evidence revealed a DNA profile that was eventually entered into a Department of Justice database. On Jan. 5, a DNA "cold hit" was made on Isidro Ponce, authorities said.

Ponce, 48, was arrested on suspicion of Harvey's slaying. He is being held without bail, awaiting trial.

richard.winton@latimes.com