SLCPD solves 1985 cold case murder of Christine Gallegos

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) announced detectives have identified the person responsible for the 1985 murder of 18-year-old Christine Gallegos, bringing closure to a case that spanned nearly four decades.

“This case highlights the determination of our detectives and the progress of forensic technology,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd. “We met with Christine’s family after today’s announcement to answer their questions and to help provide some closure. Their experience is a reminder of how painful these cases are. We remain committed to supporting victims’ families and to make sure they know we will never stop seeking justice.”

On May 16, 1985, Gallegos was found dead near 1384 South Jefferson Street, just west of what was then known as Dirk’s Field. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted, and shot to death. Investigators determined she had struggled with her attacker before she was shot and stabbed.

Despite exhaustive efforts and multiple rounds of forensic testing over the years by the Utah Bureau of Forensic Services and Sorenson Forensics, no viable leads emerged, and the case eventually went cold. It remained active in national and state cold case databases, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) and the Utah Cold Case Database, created in 2018.

In 2023, the case was re-examined with support from Utah’s Cold Case Review Board (CCRB) and the state crime lab. Detectives focused on identifying an unknown male DNA profile that had been entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which operates local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons.

With assistance from the Utah Department of Public Safety’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and funding through the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant, detectives sent evidence to Othram Labs in The Woodlands, Texas, for advanced DNA analysis using Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). The advanced analysis identified Ricky Lee Stallworth as the likely suspect.

Stallworth, who was 27 at the time of the murder and an airman stationed at Hill Air Force Base, died of natural causes in July 2023. He lived in Layton, Utah. A voluntary DNA sample from a family member confirmed the match. Follow-up included additional lab analysis, interviews with friends, family, and former coworkers of Stallworth to confirm the identification.

“Our goal is to ensure justice for victims through victim-centered investigations that hold offenders accountable,” said Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent Steve O’Camb. “Handcuffs, however, do not equal healing. The resolution of Christine’s case is a prime example. We weren’t able to arrest a suspect, but hopefully we achieved some measure of justice for her and the family and friends that loved her.”

The relationship between Gallegos and Stallworth, if one existed, remains one of the most significant unanswered questions in this case. Detectives were unable to question Stallworth directly during the investigation, and those close to Gallegos have no recollection of her ever knowing him, leaving the motive and any potential connection between them unresolved.

Detectives have formally notified Gallegos’ family of the resolution, marking the end of a nearly 40-year search for answers.

“This investigation highlights the value of cold case work and the importance of forensic science partnerships,” said Chief Redd. “The SLCPD remains committed to pursuing truth and accountability, no matter how much time has passed.”