The Unraveling of the Judy Weaver Cold Case: A Journey of Justice

Detective Susan Logothetti, working at the Everett Police Department just north of Seattle, specializes in investigating cold cases. Her passion for bringing closure to unresolved crimes has led her to focus on numerous long-unsolved investigations, one of which particularly captivated her— the murder of Judy Weaver.

Background of the Case

The tragedy dates back to June 1, 1984, when Judy Weaver, a 42-year-old divorced mother and manager of the notorious Bel-Nes Cafe, was tragically killed. Known for her tough demeanor and generous drink servings, Judy earned the admiration of her bar’s rowdy regulars.

Judy’s daughters, Cathy Myers and Colleen Kayser, often recount how their mother would not hesitate to throw unruly patrons out of the bar, reinforcing her strong-willed personality. However, Judy’s life began to change when she started dating Bill Richards, the owner of the bar, a relationship that was marred by allegations of abuse.

The Night of the Murder

On the night of Judy’s murder, she and Bill celebrated the sale of the cafe with friends. Feeling intoxicated and tired, Judy chose to walk home about half a mile away from the bar, reportedly leaving the back door unlocked. Later that evening, neighbors witnessed smoke rising from Judy’s apartment, leading the emergency services to what would become a crime scene.

Upon entering the apartment, the firefighters discovered Judy bound and unresponsive in her bedroom, which was filled with smoke. The evidence suggested a violent struggle; the bedroom door was locked, and a pillowcase with bloodstains had been found beside her body, indicating an attempt to conceal the murder.

The Investigation

Detective Logothetti meticulously examined the evidence, which hinted at severe physical trauma and assault. Although Bill Richards emerged as the primary suspect, there was not enough evidence to charge him, and he passed away in 1994 with the shadow of suspicion hanging over him.

In January 2023, Detective Logothetti revisited the cold case and submitted evidence for DNA testing, utilizing advancements in technology hoping to confirm Bill’s connection. However, to her astonishment, the results pointed to a completely different suspect: Mitchell Allen Gaff, a registered Level 3 sex offender.

Connecting the Dots

The investigation revealed that Gaff had a history of violent crimes. Initially imprisoned for brutal sexual assaults, he had been released back into society, only to turn into a dangerous predator again shortly after. Wrapping up an investigation into Gaff’s criminal history, Logothetti discovered he was out on probation at the time of Judy’s murder.

Detective Logothetti believed that Gaff’s violent tendencies could lead her closer to solving the murder, as he had a known modus operandi. Yet, to make a strong case against him, the detective knew she needed new DNA evidence linking him definitively to the crime.

The Chewing Gum Sting Operation

In a crafty approach, Logothetti organized an undercover operation that involved presenting Gaff with a marketing pitch for a fictional gum brand, which would allow them to collect fresh DNA samples from him. On January 17, 2024, detectives visited Gaff, offering him samples of the gum while discreetly capturing his saliva.

After analyzing the gum, the results confirmed that DNA matched Judy Weaver’s murder scene. This breakthrough set the stage for Gaff’s arrest, marking a significant turning point in the cold case.

The Second Murder Connection

Just as Logothetti was preparing for trial against Gaff for Judy Weaver’s murder, she received a voicemail from Ken Vesey, whose wife Susan had been murdered in 1980. As she delved into this separate case, eerie parallels between the two incidents emerged, indicating Gaff’s potential involvement in Susan’s brutal killing as well.

DNA evidence procured from Susan’s case would later confirm Gaff’s connection to her murder, enabling prosecutors to charge him with two counts of murder. As the trial date approached, Gaff recognized the overwhelming evidence against him and opted to plead guilty to both murders before the trial commenced, ultimately receiving a lengthy prison sentence.

Final Thoughts

The tenacity of Detective Logothetti and the advancements in forensic science brought closure to the families affected by these heinous acts. Gaff’s conviction not only serves to validate the pain experienced by Judy and Susan’s loved ones, but also emphasizes the enduring effort of law enforcement to address cold cases and seek justice.

With Gaff now sentenced to decades behind bars, both families can find some solace knowing that the man who shattered peaceful lives will pay the price for his crimes.