FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2025

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SLCPD Solves 1985 Cold Case Murder of Christine Gallegos

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is announcing detectives have identified the person responsible for the 1985 murder of 18-year-old Christine Gallegos.

“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.”

After nearly four decades of investigative work, the SLCPD’s Homicide Squad has officially closed this case.

“Just because time passes doesn’t mean we stop searching for answers,” Chief Redd added. “I am grateful to our partners at the Utah Department of Public Safety and other allied agencies who helped make this case possible.”

On May 16, 1985, the body of 18-year-old Christine Gallegos was found 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.

It was very obvious to detectives Christine had struggled with the suspect 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.

The case remained active in national and state cold case databases, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) ViCAP and the Utah Cold Case Database, created in 2018.

In 2023, the case was re-examined with the support of Utah’s Cold Case Review Board (CCRB) and the Utah state crime lab, leading to renewed efforts to identify an unknown male DNA profile previously entered into CODIS, which stands for the Combined DNA Index System.

CODIS is a computer software program that 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 in late 2023 for advanced DNA analysis using Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG).

The advanced analysis identified Ricky Lee Stallworth as the likely suspect.

A voluntary DNA sample from a family member confirmed the match.

Subsequent 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.”

Ricky Lee Stallworth was 27-years-old and an airman stationed at Hill Air Force Base at the time of the homicide. He died of natural causes in July 2023. He lived in Layton, Utah.

The relationship between Christine and her killer, if one existed, remains one of the most significant unanswered questions in this case.

Because Stallworth was never identified during the course of the investigation, detectives were unable to question him directly.

Additionally, those close to Christine have no recollection of her ever knowing Stallworth, leaving the motive and any potential connection between them unresolved.

Detectives have formally notified Christine’s family that her case has been solved.

This investigation highlights the value of cold case work and the importance of forensic science partnerships.

The SLCPD remains committed to pursuing truth and accountability, no matter how much time has passed

Photo: An undated photo of  Christine Gallegos provided by the Gallegos family.

Photo: The mother of Christine Gallegos, Leah Gallegos, speaks during a press conference at the Salt Lake City Police Department (May 15, 2025 – SLCPD photo).

Photo: Commander Alma Sweeny speaks during a press conference at the Salt Lake City Police Department announcing the closure of the Christine Gallegos cold case homicide (May 15, 2025 – SLCPD photo).

Photo: Chief of Police Brian Redd speaks during a press conference at the Salt Lake City Police Department announcing the closure of the Christine Gallegos cold case homicide (May 15, 2025 – SLCPD photo).

Photo: Detective Cordon Parks, retired, speaks during a press conference at the Salt Lake City Police Department announcing the closure of the Christine Gallegos cold case homicide (May 15, 2025 – SLCPD photo).

Photo: Utah State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Agent Steve O’Camb speaks during a press conference at the Salt Lake City Police Department announcing the closure of the Christine Gallegos cold case homicide (May 15, 2025 – SLCPD photo).

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