“The Hunt for Sarah Yarborough’s Killer”: 48 Hours Reports October 5 2024
by Ryan Gill · October 4, 2024
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, CBS’s 48 HOURS will air an encore presentation of “The Hunt for Sarah Yarborough’s Killer,” a case that gripped the nation and haunted the Seattle community for decades. Hosted by Natalie Morales, this episode explores the chilling murder of 16-year-old Sarah Yarborough, whose life was cut short in 1991 outside of Federal Way High School. The broadcast delves into the investigation that spanned nearly 30 years, following the shocking discovery of her body on a school campus, and finally uncovers the truth behind the identity of her killer.
The episode revisits the scene of the crime, key players, and the long-awaited breakthrough in the case, made possible by advances in DNA technology. Through interviews with detectives, family members, and others connected to the case, viewers gain insight into the relentless pursuit of justice that ultimately led to the conviction of Patrick Nicholas.
The Murder of Sarah Yarborough
On December 14, 1991, Sarah Yarborough, an honor student and drill team member at Federal Way High School, was preparing for practice. She arrived at the school in the early morning, but she never made it inside. Her body was discovered just 300 feet from her car, partially undressed and brutally strangled with her own nylons. Two young boys, Drew Miller and his friend, stumbled upon the scene, encountering a suspicious man who quickly fled the area.
Detectives were struck by the brutal nature of the crime, describing the overwhelming sense of loss felt throughout the investigation. Sarah, still in her drill team uniform with hot curlers in her hair, became the victim of a senseless act of violence that left her family, friends, and the entire community in shock.
The Investigation: A Case Gone Cold
Initially, investigators were hopeful that the case would be solved quickly. They had a sketch of the suspect, provided by the boys who had seen the man near the scene, and DNA evidence collected from Sarah’s clothing. However, despite the abundance of evidence, no immediate leads surfaced. Friends of Sarah believed justice was close at hand, but the case soon went cold as weeks turned into months, and eventually, years.
For nearly three decades, the search for Sarah’s killer yielded no answers. Investigators chased thousands of leads and regularly checked the unknown DNA profile against the FBI’s CODIS database. Yet, despite these efforts, the identity of the perpetrator remained elusive. The frustration mounted, and Sarah’s family was left without closure as they mourned her loss year after year.
Breakthrough: Advances in DNA Technology
In 2019, the case took a dramatic turn. With the help of forensic genetic genealogy, a new investigative tool, detectives were able to track the DNA profile to a family tree. Forensic genealogist Colleen Fitzpatrick played a crucial role in this development, tracing the DNA to Patrick Nicholas, a man with a disturbing history of sexual violence. Nicholas had been released from prison early for previous sexual assaults and lived in the area around the time of Sarah’s murder.
Undercover officers obtained a cigarette butt discarded by Nicholas and confirmed through DNA testing that he was the man responsible for Sarah’s death. This breakthrough, almost 30 years after the crime, reignited the case and finally brought answers to Sarah’s grieving family.
The Trial and Conviction of Patrick Nicholas
In 2023, Patrick Nicholas stood trial for the murder of Sarah Yarborough. Prosecutors presented damning evidence, including DNA matches and Nicholas’ history of violent sexual assaults. The trial also revealed that Nicholas had been released from prison early before committing the murder, sparking outrage and frustration among Sarah’s family and the public.
After nine days of testimony, the jury took just over a day to return their verdict. Nicholas was found guilty of both first-degree and second-degree murder with sexual motivation. He was sentenced to 45 and a half years in prison, a sentence that will likely keep him behind bars for the rest of his life.
The Impact on Sarah Yarborough’s Family and Community
The Yarborough family, along with the Federal Way community, felt the weight of Sarah’s murder for years. The case not only shattered their sense of security but also instilled a lingering fear in many of Sarah’s peers, who grew up haunted by the knowledge that her killer remained at large for nearly 30 years. At Nicholas’ sentencing, Sarah’s mother, Laura Yarborough, spoke of the profound loss her family endured, describing Sarah as a bright, kind young woman whose life was cut tragically short.
Though justice was eventually served, the pain of losing Sarah remains. Her legacy of kindness and generosity lives on in the memories of those who knew her, but the scars of her untimely death will forever mark the community that continues to mourn her absence.
Conclusion: A Long Road to Justice
“The Hunt for Sarah Yarborough’s Killer” offers a sobering reflection on the decades-long pursuit of justice. Sarah’s murder left an indelible mark on her family and community, but it is also a testament to the power of perseverance and advances in forensic science. The episode serves as both a tribute to Sarah’s memory and a reminder of the tireless work of investigators who never gave up in their quest to bring her killer to justice.
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