SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a breakthrough on a case from 17 years ago.
According to Deputy Abigail Christian, there was a recent DNA match from a 2003 case that involved the crimes of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape against a 23 year-old victim.
DNA evidence was collected and after all leads were thoroughly followed, the investigation went inactive.
On February 14, 2020, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received notice regarding a possible DNA match to the 2003 case. This information stemmed from a Topeka Police Department case in the fall of 2019 which required the suspect to submit DNA.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported Pernell A. Mack, 35, of Topeka to be an investigative lead.
The Sheriff’s Office completed a search warrant for Mack’s DNA.
On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s office arrested Mack in the 200 block of SW Western Avenue and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape.