In an incredible turn of events, a jury convicted a 67-year-old man last week for a 1994 kidnapping at the Oakridge Mall, thanks to a cold-case investigation that relied on DNA evidence. Thomas John Loguidice was found guilty of felony kidnapping with the intent to rob, after he was linked to the crime during his time in state prison for an unrelated offense.

Loguidice was serving a 40-year sentence for a child sex abuse conviction from 2012 at a Soledad prison. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office cold-case unit revisited the old case in 2022, matching preserved forensic evidence with Loguidice’s DNA profile.

Denise Crank, the victim who is now 53, traveled from Michigan to testify. She identified Loguidice immediately, as his appearance matched the original police sketch from 1994. Crank said she was relieved by the verdict, praising the hard work of the investigators.

“This outcome means a lot to me. It’s been a long and emotional journey since I got the call about the DNA match, ” she said.

At his scheduled sentencing on January 15, Loguidice could face an additional seven years to life in prison, pushing his parole eligibility back to 2039. District Attorney Jeff Rosen commended the team for their work, highlighting the importance of justice, regardless of time.

Two Decades Later: Mall Kidnapper Finally Brought to Justice

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