78-year-old Gary Ramirez sentenced for 1982 Sunnyvale, California cold case murder of Karen Stitt
Share this @internewscast.com

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — After decades, the man who committed the heinous murder of 15-year-old Karen Stitt back in 1982 faced his sentencing in a Santa Clara County courtroom on Monday.

The investigation went cold after decades without any new leads before new technology and a tip linked Gary Ramirez to the crime back in 2022.

It has been more than 40 years since Karen Stitt was murdered – taken from her family and friends at just 15 years old.

Decades later, they were present in court to hear Stitt’s killer receive a sentence for his crimes.

Gary Ramirez will be sent to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, receiving a sentence of 25 years to life with eligibility for parole – the harshest punishment for the 78-year-old.

He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder after other criminal enhancements were dropped.

MORE: DNA found on cigarette carton leads to major break in 1977 San Jose cold case murder

Decades before Ramirez was apprehended, Stitt endured a vicious attack involving sexual assault and 59 stab wounds. Her unclothed body was discovered concealed near a bus stop, just about 100 yards away, lying behind a blood-streaked cinderblock wall.

It was the last place where her boyfriend David Woods saw her that night.

“His heinous crimes that ended her life in such a horrific way has caused deep heartache and continued suffering for the many that loved Karen Stitt,” Woods said.

The attorney for Ramirez requested that he not appear on camera due to threats of violence if his face was shown on television and social media.

He entered court with a cane, long gray hair and glasses and sat silently looking forward or down as victims read their statements.

“Since Karen was brutally taken from us, there have been many unanswered questions – ‘why’ being the biggest,” Stitt’s best friend Tracy Lancaster said.

“Just because you’ve been caught, finally, and you will start serving your sentence, your punishment for your brutally gruesome crime, there will still never be closure,” Stitt’s former boyfriend Michael Calhoun said. “Karen is gone. We will never get her back.”

DNA evidence found on Stitt ultimately linked Ramirez to the murder, four decades later.

There were no significant leads for decades until the arrest of Ramirez at his home in Makawao on the island of Maui.

The killer reportedly left both his blood and bodily fluid on Stitt, according to investigators. Her boyfriend, long considered a suspect, was cleared based on the DNA evidence.

In early 2019, Sunnyvale DPS Detective Matt Hutchison used a tip to determine Stitt’s killer was likely one of four brothers from Fresno.

In April 2022, Ramirez was identified as the likely source of blood and bodily fluid left at the scene.

MORE: Improved DNA technology credited with solving 35-year-old Tilden Park cold case

The Santa Clara County DA’s Crime Lab confirmed that identification.

Hutchinson remained on the cold case and says the new technology helped lead to a sentence for the crimes.

“It’s something that wasn’t available to the detectives who worked the case for the last 40 years,” Hutchinson said. “It was a tool that I had, so I had to use it – because this case had to be solved.”

To bring finality and maybe a sense of peace to those who loved Karen Stitt.

“There will never be true justice because Karen cannot and will not come back,” Lancaster said. “But it does bring a small amount of peace knowing that he will never be able to hurt another being.”

“Over 40 years ago, Karen Stitt lost her life, but she was not forgotten,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. “Today, thanks to a dedicated detective, a persistent prosecutor, and our Crime Lab, the person responsible is behind bars.”

Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Alabama kindergarten teacher, 49, accused of enticing teen into bathroom for sexual encounter

49-Year-Old Alabama Kindergarten Teacher Allegedly Lures Teen into Restroom for Sexual Act

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An Alabama kindergarten “Teacher…
Democratic states double down on laws resisting Trump's immigration crackdown

Democratic States Intensify Opposition to Trump’s Immigration Policies with New Laws

As President Donald Trump’s administration goes after states and local governments that…
Trump Wants to Make the Skies Supersonic Again, Signs Game-Changing Executive Order

Trump Signs Revolutionary Executive Order to Reintroduce Supersonic Travel

President Donald Trump aims to address this issue, and on Friday, he…
Ahead, Troll Factor Eight! Rep Mike Collins 'Corrects' Chris Van Hollen's Office Plaque

Wow: Chris Van Hollen’s Recent Remarks on Trump and Abrego Garcia Take a Surprising Turn

We previously reported that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was being returned to the…
Iran's Khamenei rejects US zero uranium enrichment demand as '100% against' its interests

Iran’s Khamenei Opposes US Demand to Halt Uranium Enrichment, Citing National Interests

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah…
High-altitude view of the Chenab Bridge in Reasi, India.

India Unveils World’s Tallest Railway Bridge, Surpassing Eiffel Tower, in Celebrated £200m “Crown Jewel” Project

THE world’s highest railway bridge has opened – built with 30,000 tonnes…
Trump officials are vowing to end school desegregation orders. Some parents say they're still needed

Trump Officials Pledge to Terminate School Desegregation Orders, Though Some Parents Argue They’re Still Necessary

FERRIDAY, La. (AP) — The disparities are evident at first glance. Ferriday…
Stashing prospects can be a solid strategy — but don't bank on it

Stashing Prospects: A Strategy Worth Considering, But Not Guaranteed

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Trump orders FAA to remove supersonic flight restrictions

Trump Directs FAA to Lift Supersonic Flight Restrictions

President Trump is boosting supersonic aviation in the United States. The commander…
Fernandina Beach celebrates fifth annual Pride Festival during Pride month.

Fernandina Beach Hosts 5th Annual Pride Festival in Celebration of Pride Month

Fernandina Beach’s fifth Pride Parade fosters unity and inclusion with vibrant festivities,…
Patel promises FBI coming for anyone assaulting cops as Los Angeles erupts over ICE raids

Patel Warns of FBI Action Against Those Attacking Officers Amidst LA Protests Over ICE Raids

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! In response to violent…
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/UPI/Shutterstock (15342808i) Ukraine launched "Operation Spiderweb" on Sunday, June 1, 2025, targeting Belaya Air Base in Russia's Irkutsk region in Siberia, approximately 3,000 miles from Ukraine, using drones to strike its enemy's strategic bombers. This image, taken from a video released by Ukraine, shows Tu-95 Bear and Tu-22 Backfire bombers, as well as A-50 Mainstay airborne early warning and control aircraft under attack. According to a senior NATO official, roughly 40 aircraft were damaged, with 10-13 destroyed. Screenshot via Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/UPI Ukraine Launches Drone Attack Deep Inside Russia Targeting Strategic Bombers, Russian Federation - 04 Jun 2025

Discover Ukraine’s Elite Special Ops Team Targeting Putin’s Forces: From Bombing Raids to Taking Down a £3 Billion Bridge… What’s Their Next Move?

Deep within hostile territories, Ukraine’s special operations unit has redefined modern warfare…