An 80-year-old man has been found guilty of a cold case murder that dates back to 1978, related to the tragic disappearance of a teenager. This update was revealed by a California prosecutor on Thursday.
Brooke Jenkins, the District Attorney for San Francisco, announced that Mark Personette was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Marissa Harvey, who was just 15 years old.
“Finally, justice has been served, and Mr. Personette is now held responsible for this awful crime,” said District Attorney Jenkins in an official statement.
However, Personette’s lawyer, Adam Gasner, argued on NBC News that he still believes there was reasonable doubt surrounding the case but respects the jury’s decision.
Gasner commented, “The jurors were thorough and focused while navigating through complex forensic evidence.”
The Significance of This Case
The murder of Marissa Harvey went unsolved for over four decades. It wasn’t until 2021 that investigators identified Personette as a suspect, utilizing investigative genealogy techniques. The district attorney’s office reported that confirmatory DNA tests linked Personette’s DNA to the victim’s clothing and even to a piece of gum found on her body.
The office extended its gratitude to the Homicide Cold Case Unit of the San Francisco Police Department and the FBI’s Denver surveillance team for their relentless work on the investigation.
Jenkins added, “While we can never bring back the victim, I hope this outcome provides her family with a sense of closure and encourages others awaiting justice to maintain their hope.”
The Key Details
On March 27, 1978, Harvey traveled to San Francisco to visit her sister and was last seen at Golden Gate Park, where she intended to go horseback riding. Sadly, she did not return.
The following day, her lifeless body was discovered in Sutro Heights Park, concealed in bushes by surfers passing through the area.
An autopsy determined the cause of death as strangulation, and the investigation revealed signs of a brutal attack and sexual assault.
Testing in the early 2000s detected male DNA on Harvey’s clothing, confirming the presence of Personette’s DNA on her sweater, jeans, and the gum.
After he was named a suspect, FBI agents observed Personette in Denver, catching him disposing of items in a Walmart parking lot, which included personal hygiene products harboring his DNA.
During a search of his home, authorities found vintage maps of San Francisco and Californian license plates with a 1979 registration sticker. Despite this, Personette denied ever setting foot in San Francisco.
The trial also revealed that a woman testified about a rape incident involving Personette in New Jersey, occurring in 1979, shortly after Marissa’s murder.
Community Reactions
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins remarked: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the survivor and Marissa’s family for their unwavering hope and commitment to seeking justice.”
Assistant District Attorney Katherine Wells added: “Thanks to the jury for their critical evaluation of the evidence in this distressing case, which demonstrates that in San Francisco, those who commit horrendous acts cannot escape justice, no matter how much time has passed.”
The Next Steps
Mark Personette is slated for sentencing on December 17. He could potentially face anywhere from seven years to life behind bars.
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