DNA Match in Cold Case Sends UP Man to Prison for Rape, Burglary

Justice has been served for one woman, even if it's taken 10 years.

University Place resident Brian Elliott Brent, 39, was sentenced to 18 years to life after pleading guilty to first-degree rape and first-degree burglary for brutally raping a woman nearly 10 years ago. Brent was identified as the offender through a DNA match.

"This is another successful prosecution based on our use of DNA technology," said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist.

On June 2, 2002, at approximately 2 a.m., the defendant broke into the victim's home and entered her bedroom. He covered her mouth, punched her several times in the face and threatened to shoot her. He then raped her and fled the scene. The victim called 911 and was transported to the hospital. Doctors determined she suffered from a concussion, a broken nose, and a fractured orbital. A DNA sample was taken during a sexual assault exam.

During the investigation, the DNA sample was submitted to the Washington State Patrol convicted felon database. No matches were made. In March 2012, after the defendant had been convicted of theft and trafficking of stolen property crimes, his DNA was found to be a match.

On December 21, 2012, the defendant pled guilty to rape and burglary in the first degree. The Tacoma News Tribune reports that Brent has said he doesn't remember much of the assault and was battling a drinking problem at the time.