Detective Susan Logothetti delved into unsolved cases at the Everett Police Department, north of Seattle. Her passion for justice kept these cold cases alive. One in particular involved the 1984 murder of Judy Weaver, a 42-year-old bar manager and mother.
The Murder of Judy Weaver
Judy Weaver managed the Bel-Nes Cafe, known for its tough clientele. Loved by patrons for her firm personality, Judy handled unruly customers with determination. Cathy Myers, her daughter, recalled how Judy expelled troublemakers with force.
Judy’s life took a turn when she dated Bill Richards, the bar’s owner. Despite an engagement, Judy’s daughters disapproved, citing his abusive behavior. In 1984, after a celebratory night at the bar, Judy left on foot, preferring to walk rather than wait for a cab. She never made it home safely.
Logothetti concluded Judy was attacked after leaving her apartment door unlocked. Firefighters discovered her lifeless body in her smoke-filled room. Her attacker had tied her up and covered his tracks by setting a fire.
DNA Evidence Sheds Light
Although Bill Richards was a suspect, DNA technology years later pointed to Mitchell Allen Gaff. Gaff, a registered sex offender with a violent history, emerged as a potential link to the crime scene. Despite decades passing, Logothetti was determined to uncover the truth.
Gaff’s criminal past included the brutal attack on police officer Jackie Brown. Brown’s survival in 1979 revealed Gaff’s capacity for violence. She described how she resisted his assault and fled, leading to his arrest. Gaff had evaded justice with only a light sentence for those attacks.
Tracking a Predator
Further investigation showed Gaff attacked teenage sisters Angela and Myra in 1984 as well. He broke into their home, assaulting them until Angela escaped to find help, saving both their lives.
Gaff’s violent spree continued, but justice was slow. Released after serving time, Gaff’s transformation into Sam Wise Price gave no indication of his dark past.
DNA Sting Operation
Logothetti engineered a plan to collect fresh DNA from Gaff. Posing as a marketer from a gum company, her team presented Gaff with a choice of gum flavors, collecting his chewed pieces for analysis.
The DNA matched evidence from Judy Weaver’s case. With a confirmed match, Gaff faced arrest for Judy Weaver’s murder.
Another Cold Case Revisited
In 2025, Detective Logothetti reopened the case of Susan Vesey’s murder from 1980. Following family pleadings, she connected Gaff to Susan Vesey’s strangulation through DNA evidence collected during the gum operation.
Victims’ families found relief, as prosecuting attorney Craig Matheson charged Gaff with more crimes.
Justice Served
Gaff pleaded guilty before trial in 2026. Judge Edirin Okoloko sentenced him to 50 years, ensuring he would die imprisoned. Victims reflected on the past, hoping to reclaim some peace after decades marked by trauma.
Logothetti’s exhaustive pursuit concluded as she personally handcuffed Gaff, signaling the long-overdue justice for his victims.
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