44 years after the crime

Chewing gum convicts man of murder

In January 1980, Barbara Tucker, a 19-year-old student, was abducted, raped and murdered outside Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon. Her murderer has now been caught - thanks to his hair color and a piece of chewing gum.

Barbara's body was only found the next day, the perpetrator was long gone and there were no witnesses to the crime.

After 44 years, however, Robert P. was caught at the age of 60 and convicted of Tucker's murder. A piece of chewing gum that he had spat out near the crime scene had been his undoing.

Hair was also recovered, which could be traced back to Robert P. 21 years after the crime. P. was convicted of murder on March 15. The sentence is still pending.