FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suspect Victor Lamont Ferguson

DECEASED

After nearly three decades, the San José Police Department, in collaboration with the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, have made a major breakthrough in the unsolved 1997 homicide of Karen Gevorkov. Advances in DNA technology have led investigators to identify Victor Lamont Ferguson as the primary suspect, who passed away in 2022. The new evidence sheds light on the tragic case, offering long-awaited closure for Gevorkov’s family.

On July 16, 1997, SJPD responded to a call of an unconscious male found outside a residence on Boynton Avenue. The victim, later identified as 28-year-old Gevorkov, had been brutally attacked and died from blunt force trauma. Despite numerous efforts to solve the case, key evidence eluded investigators—until now.

Initial investigations revealed that Gevorkov was last seen alive the evening prior, walking with a friend near Starbird Park. According to the surviving friend, the pair was approached by three men when one attacked them with a blunt object, later described as a bat. The witness was unable to identify the suspects, but further interviews with area residents led investigators to Victor Lamont Ferguson, who was identified as a person of interest.

Following advanced DNA testing, a breakthrough in 2024 matched Ferguson’s DNA to the victim's clothing, providing conclusive evidence of his involvement in the crime. Additionally, in 2016, a former inmate who came forward in 1997 was reinterviewed by police, providing information implicating Ferguson in the murder. Despite this, Ferguson was never formally interviewed about the crime.

Ferguson, who moved to Kansas after the incident, was never held accountable for Gevorkov's murder. Per Kansas death records, Ferguson passed away in 2022. While this case is now closed, SJPD remains committed to justice and closure for the victims and their families.

Karen Gevorkov

"While justice may be delayed, the victim is never forgotten," stated Chief of Police Paul Joseph. "This breakthrough, made possible through advances in DNA technology, underscores our unwavering commitment to seeking the truth, no matter how many years pass. Though the suspect is no longer here to face accountability, we hope this new evidence provides much-needed closure to Karen Gevorkov’s family, and serves as a reminder that we will never stop pursuing justice for those we've lost."

“27 years ago, Karen lost his life and his family never knew why,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “Although the truth won’t bring him back, it brings answers and hopefully closure for a family who has been waiting for both for a long time now. I want to thank our police department for never giving up in the pursuit of justice — no matter how long it takes, we can all feel safer knowing that those who harm our community will always be found.”

"The term cold case is misleading. We may have exhausted all leads, interviewed everyone we can think of, and tested every piece of evidence. But we never stop. In every unsolved case, something—or someone—will lead us to the truth. Until then, no family should give up hope, and no criminal should sleep well," stated Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Martinez #4117, or Detective Jorgensen #4090 of the San José Police Department’s Homicide Unit via email: 4117@sanjoseca.gov and/or 4090@sanjoseca.gov or at 408-277-5283.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.