West Linn Police Solve 46-year-old Cold Case Homicide -07/01/25

Thanks to the exceptional investigative work of members of the West Linn Police Department (WLPD), a forty-six year old homicide case has been brought to a close.

 

The case (WLPD 78-782389), involving the murder of 20-year-old Diana Kuhn in December 1978, had remained unsolved but was recently re-opened after another review of the cold case. During reassessment of the case file, the potential for more investigation was recognized, and a more in-depth follow-up was conducted.

 

WLPD Detective Sergeant Todd Gradwahl performed a comprehensive review of all available reports and investigative records. Simultaneously, case materials, including physical evidence and photographs, were re-examined by WLPD Property and Evidence Technician Nicole Hedley. A critical piece of evidence that had not been previously tested was discovered and submitted to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab by Hedley, which proved instrumental in advancing the case and ultimately led to key breakthroughs. Through DNA, a previously identified person of interest was confirmed to be the suspect in the homicide. The identified suspect, David Lawrence Atkeson (dob 08/28/1945), died in February of 1989.

 

The case was forwarded to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office for review. The DA’s office "strongly believes" that if David Atkeson were still alive today, he would be indicted, tried and subsequently convicted on charges of the Sexual Assault and Aggravated Murder of Ms. Kuhn.

 

The West Linn Police Department applauds the professionalism and dedication shown by Detective Sergeant Gradwahl and Property and Evidence Technician Hedley throughout this investigation. This case serves as a powerful example of how persistence, teamwork, and modern investigative methods can breathe new life into old cases and deliver long-overdue justice.