PORT ANGELES — A 24-year-old convicted burglar and parole violator has been arrested for investigation into the Dec. 26 rape and strangulation of 15-year-old Melissa Leigh “Messa Mae” Carter.
The arrest Wednesday morning of Robert Gene Covarrubias ended a 57-day investigation into Carter’s slaying that started when her nude body was found in a hollow off a muddy path that leads to the Waterfront Trail.
Covarrubias, who authorities want charged with first-degree murder, will make his initial appearance in Clallam County Superior Court at 3 p.m. today.
He faces a life sentence and a $50,000 fine if convicted of first-degree murder. Conviction would not carry the death penalty, Port Angeles police said, because there is no provable premeditation for the killing.
Specifically, he is accused killing Carter in the course of or during flight from her rape.
“We believe we have the suspect responsible for the murder of Melissa,” Police Chief Tom Riepe said.
“There’s no doubt in my mind.”
Detective Sgt. Eric Kovatch, who headed the investigation, said: “I do not believe there’s anybody else involved in this crime.”
California-born
Covarrubias was born in Lancaster, Calif., and had lived in Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts, police said.
He was arrested Dec. 28 in Port Angeles and taken to Clallam Bay Corrections Center on a warrant unrelated to the Carter case.
He was rearrested at the prison Jan. 25 on a burglary charge that had developed during the homicide investigation and placed in Clallam County jail.
Covarrubias’ arrest Wednesday in connection with the Carter slaying came after a Washington State Patrol forensic scientist reported that DNA evidence linked him to sexual intercourse with the teenager.
