Son of woman found strangled to death in 1977 reacts to suspect’s arrest

ASHTABULA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - Justice is inching closer Tuesday for the son of a woman who was found strangled to death decades ago in California.

Ashtabula County deputies announced the arrest of a suspect in the death of 24-year-old Jeannette Ralston, who was found dead in her Volkswagen Beetle in 1977.

The Ashtabula County sheriff said 69-year-old Willie Eugene Sims was arrested and charged with murder.

The sheriff’s office said they worked with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and its Cold Case Unit as well as the San Jose Police Department to identify and locate Sims.

The sheriff’s office said Sims murdered Ralston on Feb. 1, 1977, by strangling her with a shirt.

Sims’ DNA was found on that shirt, under Ralston’s fingernails and on a cigarette pack found in the vehicle.

Allen Ralston, the victim’s son, was 6 years old at the time of his mother’s death. He said he is grateful an arrest was finally made.

“Without the Santa Clara detectives, the whole team that’s worked on this for 49 years, how do you thank somebody like that and not feel guilty you didn’t thank them enough,” he said.

Allen Ralston said he holds the memory of his mother close to his heart.

“She raised me to be a happy kid, so I just held onto that,” he said. “I’ve always tried to do good in my life and try to respect her in any way I could.”

Sims, who the sheriff says served in the Army at the time of the murder, will be extradited to Ohio.

If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.

“We are extremely thankful and proud to be a part of the law enforcement partners that worked together across state lines to seek justice for Ms. Ralston and her family,” Ashtabula County Prosecutor April R. Grabman and Sheriff William R. Niemi said in a t statement.

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