Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Digest

New technology leads to arrest in 1994 rape

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 10, 2007

CLEARWATER

The case had grown cold for more than 13 years, but improved DNA technology provided the crucial break that enabled investigators to arrest a suspected rapist Tuesday. David Allen Ginther, 37, of unincorporated Clearwater, faces one count of armed sexual battery related to a 1994 case in Lealman. According to detectives, on June, 15, 1994, Ginther entered through an unlocked bedroom window and found the victim, a 26-year-old woman, asleep. He put a metal object to her throat, threatened to kill her and then blindfolded her, detectives said. He sexually battered her for an hour before leaving. Investigators recovered DNA evidence, but couldn't find a match, sheriff's officials said. Detectives resubmitted the evidence for testing in May 2007 and, with improved technology, the test pointed to Ginther, they said. Ginther, who lives at 6030 150th Ave N, Lot No. 72, was being booked in the Pinellas County Jail on Tuesday evening.

Boating course set Saturday, Sunday

The Clearwater flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer America's Boating Course 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Clearwater Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd. on Sand Key. The $30 fee covers the cost of materials. Call 469-8895 or visit http://a0701101.uscgaux.info.

Fire & Rescueto host open house

Clearwater Fire & Rescue hosts its second annual open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at all of its fire stations. The open house aims to help residents learn the dangers of fires and make a plan for escaping a fire if one breaks out. All eight Clearwater fire stations will offer displays and demonstrations, station tours, and activities for kids, and some will offer short truck rides. At Station 50, 2681 Countryside Blvd., the Devil Rays Street Team will attend with an inflatable hitting and pitching tent and giveaways. For locations, visit www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/fire/stations.asp.

PALM HARBOR

Activity Centerhas 2 fundraisers

The Palm Harbor Community Activity Center, 1500 16th St., has two fundraiserscoming up. On Sunday , the center will host a country breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $4.50, $4 for center members and $2 for children under 10. On Oct. 19, the center will have a Monster Mash with dancing and a dinner of German sausage and roast beef. BYOB. Cost is $7, $6 for members. Paid reservations are suggested. Call (727) 771-6000.

[Last modified October 10, 2007, 00:01:53]