Kentrell Jourdan Mack Yates Guilty In Rape Case (Photo) - 02/20/26

HILLSBORO, Ore- On February 17, 2026, a Washington County jury found Kentrell Jourdan Mack Yates, age 21, guilty of multiple charges, including rape in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the second degree. Deputy District Attorney Alyssa Camp prosecuted this case before Judge Andrew Erwin.
 

Two cases were consolidated for trial. In June of 2025, the defendant met the first victim, who was a minor at the time, and invited her to go swimming at an apartment complex in Washington County. When they got to the pool, the defendant suggested they use the private sauna. Once inside, the defendant began making sexual advances on the victim. He held her in place while he sexually assaulted her. She was eventually able to escape and later reported what happened to law enforcement. Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office began making attempts to find the defendant. During the investigation, they located a second victim who had conceived a child with the defendant while she was still a minor.
 

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office commends the victims for their bravery in reporting the defendant’s actions. This office also thanks the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, CARES Northwest, and Randall Children’s Hospital for their work.
 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

1992 Cold Case Murder Linked To Notorious Serial Killer (Photo) - 02/10/26

HILLSBORO, Ore- The Washington County District Attorney’s Office’s Cold Case Unit, in partnership with the Hillsboro Police Department, has linked infamous serial killer Cesar Barone to the previously unsolved 1992 murder of Hillsboro resident Elizabeth Wasson.
 

Mrs. Wasson was found murdered in her home on September 23, 1992. The 82-year-old woman was beloved by friends and family. Known as the neighborhood Avon Lady, she was the widow of a pastor and a pillar of her community. Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case went unsolved for more than three decades.
 

In 1995, Mr. Barone was convicted of the murder of four women and sentenced to death. He also sexually assaulted and strangled three other women who survived the attacks. Mr. Barone was previously considered a suspect in Mrs. Wasson’s murder, but at the time, detectives were unable to directly link him to her case.  Mr. Barone died while in prison in 2009. 
 

In 2023, Hillsboro Police Department Detective Megan Townsend reexamined the investigation into Mrs. Wasson’s murder.  Detective Townsend’s review included submitting physical evidence collected at the murder scene to the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory for additional testing. Technicians discovered male DNA on the submitted material, which forensically linked Mr. Barone to Mrs. Wasson’s murder.
 

“For years, this family lived without answers. Today, we’re finally able to give them the truth they deserved from the beginning. Our thoughts remain with them, and we honor the life of Elizabeth Wasson by ensuring this case is no longer left in silence,” said Detective Townsend.
 

In 2020, this office secured federal funding to help launch the Cold Case Unit in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The grant provides funding for a cold case detective and forensic consultant to investigate cold cases involving identified DNA from a possible suspect. The Cold Case Unit also consults with and assists local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to resolve violent crime cold cases."

“While many years have passed, we hope this result brings some closure to the victim’s family and to the community. This office remains dedicated to delivering justice for victims and their loved ones, no matter how much time has passed,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown.
 

“I’m proud of the amazing work our cold case investigators and prosecutors have done on these incredibly important cases,” added Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton. “With every cold case solved, we are sending a message to victims and their families that they are not forgotten. We look forward to continuing to do this work and hope to solve more cases."
 

Mrs. Wasson’s surviving family members have been alerted to these developments. They expressed relief that this case is now closed. They respectfully request privacy at this time.
 

Chief Deputy District Attorney Brown, who manages the Cold Case Unit, and Detective Townsend are available for media interviews. Contact Public Information Officer Stephen Mayer to coordinate.