California Police Charge ‘Gone Girl’ Kidnapper in 2009 Home Invasion Cases
California authorities have brought new charges against Matthew Muller, a man infamous for his role in the kidnapping and sexual assault of a Northern California woman, Denise Huskins, back in 2015. This incident, initially dismissed as a hoax, has since been dubbed the “Gone Girl” kidnapping. Now, Muller, 47, is facing charges in connection with two home invasion cases dating back to 2009 in Palo Alto and Mountain View.
Identification and Charges
Thanks to a breakthrough lead and advancements in forensic DNA testing, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office, together with local law enforcement, has successfully identified Muller as the perpetrator in the long-unsolved 2009 cases. Muller, a disbarred immigration attorney with an education from Harvard, left his DNA on the straps used to restrain one of the victims from the 2009 incidents. As a result, he is now facing two felony charges of sexual assault during a home invasion for his actions in 2009, with the potential of a life sentence if convicted.
Timeline of Events
In the early hours of September 29, 2009, Muller entered a woman’s home in Mountain View, where he proceeded to assault her, bind her, and coerce her into ingesting a cocktail of medications as he threatened to rape her. Fortunately, the victim, who was in her 30s, managed to persuade Muller against carrying out his intentions, and he eventually fled the scene. Less than a month later, on October 18, 2009, Muller repeated a similar modus operandi in a Palo Alto home, where he subjected another woman in her 30s to a harrowing assault before being convinced to halt his actions and leave the premises.
Hollywood-Like Crime Spree
District Attorney Jeff Rosen aptly described Muller’s violent spree as something straight out of a Hollywood script, highlighting the tragic reality of his actions. The goal now is to ensure that Muller faces the consequences of his crimes and is prevented from causing further harm and terror in the future. The hope is that justice will be served, and the nightmare will finally come to an end.
Personal Touch
In times of tragedy and uncertainty, finding closure and understanding can be a challenging journey for victims and survivors. Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn, the couple at the center of this ordeal, shared their perspective on moving forward despite the lack of answers as to why they were targeted. Their resilience, focus on family, work, and personal growth, serves as a testament to the power of healing and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Muller’s capture and subsequent sentencing mark a significant step towards justice for the victims and a reminder of the importance of relentless pursuit in solving cold cases. As Muller serves his time behind bars, Huskins, Quinn, and countless others impacted by his crimes continue to rebuild their lives, move forward, and find strength in each new day.
