News Releases

Mobile Police Make Arrest in Cold Case Rape

Apr 23rd, 2015

In December 1994, Mobile Police responded to a sexual assault involving a female victim under the age of 18. Detectives conducted a diligent and thorough investigation; however, no arrest was made in the case.

In following up on cold case investigations, Mobile Police investigators frequently revisit case files and evidence collected in an effort to improve solvability factors utilizing more sophisticated technology available to the Department. In 2014, based on physical evidence collected in 1994, a positive match was received, linking a suspect to the case.

Mobile Police investigators began searching for 51 year-old Ralph Edward Bartlett and, on April 22, 2015, were able to take him into custody in the Mobile area without incident. Bartlett was arrested and charged with Rape First Degree and Sodomy First Degree in relation to the December 1994 event.

###

Ashley H. Rains
Public Affairs
Public Information Office