The Virginia Beach Police Department announced on May 22 the arrest of Charles Berry, age 66, for the rape and murder of Roberta Walls, a crime that occurred on May 15, 1986. The arrest follows a collaborative investigation involving the Virginia State Police, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney, and law enforcement in Newington, Connecticut.
This development is significant because it brings resolution to a case that remained unsolved for four decades. Advances in forensic science and persistent investigative work led to Berry’s identification as a suspect.
Walls’ body was discovered in a field along Ferry Plantation Drive in Virginia Beach. Initial investigations revealed she had been stabbed multiple times and sexually assaulted. Over time, detectives developed a DNA profile through state forensic labs and entered it into national databases. In recent years, new technology enabled investigators to create a composite image from crime scene DNA.
According to Captain Michele Wyatt of VBPD’s Detective Bureau: “The evidence had not been tested since 1986, and a direct DNA comparison ultimately identified Charles Berry as the source of the DNA profile generated in 2001. While it was an egregious event, there is joy in finally finding an answer.” Deputy Chief Jeffrey Wilkerson said: “The legacy of this investigation…is an example of Virginia Beach Police Department’s dedication to Roberta Walls’ memory and to all victims of crime.”
Berry was arrested by Newington police and is being held on $10 million bond pending extradition to Virginia. The case moved forward after support from the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which provided resources for testing evidence previously unexamined since its collection.
Attorney General Jay Jones said: “The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has helped bring closure to a decades-long investigation…I’m proud of the dedication and close collaboration between the Virginia State Police, Virginia Beach Police, and SAKI that brought this cold case to a just resolution. My office will continue to provide every resource available…and work to support sexual assault victims.”
Police Chief Paul Neudigate added: “There are families and loved ones in this community that have not yet received closure…For those families there is hope for the future…” Additional support came from agencies including Parabon NanoLabs and various forensic teams.
Critical breakthroughs were possible due to improvements in forensic science combined with continued police work over many years. The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement programs; provides legal counsel for state agencies; addresses issues such as human trafficking; serves all Virginians; offers consumer protection services; and Miyares currently holds office as attorney general according to information from its official website.
Authorities remind that charges against Berry are accusations at this stage; he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
