(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said after 23 years police were able to identify and place into custody the suspect of a sexual assault that happened in 2001.
CSPD said in early 2001, officers were called to the 5900 block of Vista Ridge Point off of Vickers Drive about a sexual assault of a 20-year-old woman in her home. Police investigated and collected evidence, including suspect DNA, but attempts to identify the suspect were unsuccessful and the case went cold.
In early 2024, the Domestic Violence/Adult Sexual Assault unit was notified of a possible DNA match from the evidence collected in 2001 using the National Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In June 2024, detectives contacted 41-year-old Kenneth Hettle, and a subsequent investigation determined his DNA was consistent with the suspect’s DNA.
Hettle was arrested on the charges of Sexual Assault, Burglary, and False Imprisonment.
“The victim of this sexual assault waited 23 years to see her attacker identified. Following years of analysis, hard work, and determination, CSPD is proud to make this arrest and provide some answers to the survivor of this crime,” writes CSPD.
Anyone with information or who is a witness to this case is asked to contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-7867.
If you or someone you know is or has experienced sexual assault, CSPD wants you to know that help is available. CSPD said it knows victims may not be in a space that allows them to immediately and safely reach out for help. CSPD said it will be available when the time is right.
If a victim of sexual assault would like to seek non-law enforcement resources, TESSA provides many options including counseling, resources for medical examination, and more, according to CSPD.
