Arrest Made in 1975 Homicide

On February 15, 1975, the body of 16 year-old Diana Peterson was found in the yard of her home in the 1600 block of NW 192nd St., now in the city of Shoreline.

No arrests were ever made. Until today.

Detectives visited a 49 year-old man this morning in the King County Jail. He is being held on unrelated charges. The man was told he is now booked on 1st degree homicide charges resulting from the death of the young girl.

Detectives say the suspect and the victim were acquainted, and the then-16 year boy had an infatuation with her. He had been at Diana’s home the last night she was seen alive. He was still at the home when she was dropped off at 10:30 PM by friends when they returned from a pizza restaurant.

At 6:00 AM the next morning Diana’s father found her in the backyard. She had been stabbed to death

The man was initially a suspect back in 1975 but there was not enough evidence to charge him. Sheriff's detectives and a King County prosecutor worked together on the case recently, and were able to develop enough additional evidence for the arrest. Charges are expected to be filed today.

The suspect lives in the city of Seattle. He is currently in jail on charges of DV Assault and Violation of a No Contact Order.

And now 1st Degree Murder.