Colorado Springs police make arrest in 2001 sexual assault case
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - In early 2001, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says that they received a call for service regarding a sexual assault of a 20-year-old female by an unknown assailant in her residence in the 5900 block of Vista Ridge Point.
An investigation was conducted, with items of evidence being collected at that time. According to CSPD, unknown male DNA was located, and a DNA profile was established. Attempts to identify the unknown suspect were unsuccessful, and the case went cold with no further leads to pursue.
In early 2024, the Domestic Violence/Adult Sexual Assault (DV/ASA) unit was notified that a possible DNA match from the evidence collected in 2001 was located using the National Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
CSPD says that in June of 2024, detectives from the DV/ASA unit contacted 41-year-old Kenneth Hettle, and the subsequent investigation determined his DNA was consistent with the unknown male suspect’s DNA recovered in 2001. 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 says they are proud to make this arrest and provide some answers to the survivor of this crime.
Anyone with information or who is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
If you or someone you know is or has experienced sexual assault, know that there is help available. CSPD knows that many victims may not be in a space that allows them to immediately and safely reach out for assistance. CSPD will be there for you when the time is right for your particular situation. If you would like to seek non-law enforcement resources regarding a sexual assault, TESSA provides many options, including counseling, resources for medical examinations, and more.
