1980 Knappenberger Murder Update
Oxnard Police and members of the Ventura County Cold Case Task Force arrested a man wanted in a 32-year-old murder case.They arrested Thomas Young in Alabama Thursday for the 1980 Oxnard murder of 15-year-old Stacy Knappenberger.Knappenberger’s mother found her body in their South J Street home on July 30th, 1980.Police say the teen died from blunt force trauma and multiple stab wounds.They also suspect that she was sexually assaulted.DNA from the crime scene was stored and maintained.In 2000 it was submitted for testing by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Crime Lab.In 2010 a DNA hit or match was found on the Combined DNA Index System known as CODIS.Assistant Chief Scott Whitney says Young’s DNA was in that data base because of an unrelated conviction.But it took two more years to gather enough probable cause evidence needed to make the arrest.Young is now 65 years old and being held in a Birmingham, Alabama jail.If he doesn’t fight extradition he will be escorted to Ventura County to face murder charges.Paul Knappenberger described his daughter as a vivacious Hueneme High School student.He says is relieved by the arrest.Relatives say they will be at the arraignment when it happens.Detectives are still looking for information about Young during his time in Ventura County.Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Bob Eckman at 385 7760. They say you can always remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers. 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)Text “BUSTED” plus your message to CRIMES (274637)Text “STOP” to CRIMES (274637) to start a new threadShare your comments about this story with us on the KEY News Facebook page. Connect with KEY News on Twitter Ventura County Crime Stoppers
