1980 Murder Arrest

Investigators announced a cold case arrest.Oxnard Police and the Ventura County Cold Case Task Force arrested a suspect in the 1980 murder of a 15 year old girl.They arrested Thomas Young in Fairfield, Alabama this afternoonThe 65 year old is the prime suspect in the death of Stacy Knappenberger.Knappenburger was found dead in her home on South J Street in July of 1980.She had been stabbed and possibly sexually assaulted.Officers say a DNA match in a database helped them solve the case.In 2010, a DNA hit was made on the suspect through the Combined DNA Index System called CODIS. Young is awaiting extradition to ventura county.Police Chief Jeri Williams said, “We know this is a very emotional day for the family and we hope that this helps in the healing process. We know that they have thought about Stacy every single day since she was killed in 1980. It’s also a very rewarding day for law enforcement and a tribute to the good work that was put into this case over the past 32 years.” Anyone having information about the case should call Detective Bob Eckman at 385-7760. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You may also call the Oxnard Police Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. Ventura County Crime Stoppers1-800-222-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