In a shocking development, it has been revealed that Christopher E. Knipe, who pleaded guilty to killing Portland activist Sean Kealiher in 2023, has been linked by DNA to a decades-old rape case. During the investigation into Kealiher’s death, law enforcement discovered that Knipe’s DNA matched a rape kit collected in 2003. However, Portland police have stated that they did not pursue additional charges against Knipe due to the likely expiration of the statute of limitations on the 2003 rape case.
The case involving Christopher Knipe took a disturbing turn when it was discovered that he had evaded justice for nearly three years after killing the well-known Portland activist with his vehicle in 2019. It now appears that he may have been evading charges of sexual assault for an even longer period. Kealiher’s family had previously accused Portland police investigators of dragging their feet in the investigation, alleging political bias. This accusation was the subject of the investigative podcast “Dying for a Fight,” produced in partnership with Sony Entertainment and aired in 2021.
The tragic incident occurred in October 2019 in Northeast Portland, when Knipe crashed his SUV into the 23-year-old activist. After the collision, Knipe and two others who were with him that night fled the scene, leaving behind their vehicle. As part of the investigation into Kealiher’s death, law enforcement collected DNA samples from the SUV.
These DNA samples were then analyzed by the Oregon State Police crime lab, which compared them to local, state, and federal databases. On December 12, 2019, a state forensic scientist sent a letter to Portland police Detective Scott Broughton, the lead investigator on Kealiher’s case, informing him that Knipe’s DNA from the SUV’s steering wheel matched sperm cells recovered in a 2003 rape kit. This new revelation raises questions about whether prosecutors could have pursued a more severe sentence for Knipe based on the connection to the older crime.
However, it is deeply troubling that Portland police did not take substantial action regarding the DNA evidence in the rape case. The agency made minimal efforts to communicate with prosecutors about the evidence and failed to contact the victim, even four years after discovering the DNA link. This lack of action has been criticized by victim advocates, who argue that it deprived the woman in the 2003 case of agency and potential legal protections.
The revelation of the DNA link between Christopher Knipe and the decades-old rape case has brought renewed attention to the handling of criminal investigations and the importance of timely and thorough action. It also highlights the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies to ensure that victims receive justice and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The implications of this case will likely spark further discussions on improving investigative procedures and ensuring the rights of victims are protected.
