Suspect involved in murder case arrested 25 years later

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- After 25 years, an Orange County murder suspect is finally arrested.

Robert Dougherty looked at a photo of his former wife, Carla Salazer, who was murdered in 1989, at a press conference. Her suspected killer, Doug Gutridge, is now in custody thanks to the help of the Orange County Cold Case Task Force.

"It's very emotional for me. It's been 25 years and you know what? I have to thank all the police involved, the investigators, the detectives," Dougherty said.

The 35-year-old transgender woman worked as an AT&T phone operator. She was found stabbed to death in her Santa Ana apartment and shortly after, Gutridge contacted police.

"He sought to assist the detective [who] was working on the case and he also believed to be the last person to see Ms. Salazar alive," said Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas.

Gutridge, then 37, was an aquantaince of Salazar. Police said they did not have enough evidence to file charges until now.

"In this specific case, Orange County crime lab forensic scientists reexamined DNA evidence found on the victim's body, and after analysis connected it to the suspect," said Sandra Hutchens, a coroner with the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

This is the first case to be solved by the task force, which consists of several agencies. The task force is faced with nearly 1,000 unsolved cases.

Now, friends and family of Salazar said this work has given them some closure.

"She's resting in peace now. I know they're going to bring this man to justice and he's going to get what he deserves," said Christine McFadden, a friend of Salazar.

Gutridge remains in custody with his bail set at $1 million. He's expected to be back in court on Jan. 2.