Summary
On May 15, 1985, Christine Gallegos was found murdered in Salt Lake City. The investigation revealed that she had been beaten, sexually assaulted, shot, and stabbed. Despite extensive investigative efforts, the case eventually went cold. Over the years, detectives revisited the case multiple times, hoping that emerging technologies could uncover new leads and finally bring answers to her family.
In September 2023, seeking to leverage modern forensic methods, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) submitted forensic evidence to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists developed a usable DNA extract from the evidence and applied Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile of the unknown individual. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile to conduct genealogical research and generate investigative leads.
To support the confirmation of the lead, Othram employed its KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing platform, which enables precise kinship comparisons using high-resolution SNP data. This tool was used to compare DNA from potential relatives to the forensic sample, and it provided critical evidence supporting the identification of Rickie Lee Stallworth Sr., born November 2, 1957, as the person responsible for Christine Gallegos’s brutal murder. Stallworth, who was an Airman stationed at Hill Air Force Base at the time of Gallegos’ murder, died of natural causes in 2023.
Although Stallworth is now deceased and cannot be prosecuted, the identification marks a major milestone in the case and brings long-awaited answers to Christine’s family and the Salt Lake City community. The successful resolution of Christine Gallegos’s case was made possible through the joint efforts of SLCPD, Utah DPS, and the forensic scientists at Othram.
If you would like to support the resolution of more cases like this, consider contributing your DNA data to DNASolves and help assist law enforcement in identifying unknown individuals and solving violent crimes. This is the sixth publicly-announced case in Utah where officials have used technology developed by Othram to identify an individual.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.