Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested and Charged in 32-year-old Cold Case
Published on September 03, 2025
Charlotte, N.C. – (Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025) – Sexual Assault Cold Case Detectives have arrested and charged a suspect, Dulaine Lotharp, 55, in a 32-year-old Sexual Assault Cold Case.
On Thursday, July 22, 1993, a victim reported that she was sexually assaulted by physical force by a suspect who was unknown to her in the Providence Division. The victim later went to Carolinas Medical Center where a sexual assault kit was completed.
Over a year later, on Thursday, Aug. 25, 1994, another victim was attacked and sexually assaulted by a suspect unknown to the victim while walking on a wooded path in the Providence Division. Police were called and the victim was transported to the hospital where a sexual assault kit was completed.
At the time of these assaults, detectives worked diligently to identify the suspect but were unsuccessful. DNA technology was still in its early stages and limitations in forensic testing during this time often meant that critical biological evidence could not be fully analyzed.
Sexual Assault Cold Case Detectives eventually picked up the case. Through federal funding, detectives were recently able to submit DNA samples for retesting and Dulaine Lotharp was successfully identified as a suspect in both cases.
On Saturday Aug. 30, 2025, CMPD served Lotharp with his outstanding warrants. Lotharp was transported to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Lotharp is charged with the following:
- Three counts of First-Degree Rape
- Two Counts of First-Degree Kidnapping
- Common Law Robbery
- Communicating Threats
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office. The lead detective in this case is Det. Melendez. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600, using the Charlotte Crime Stoppers P3 Tips Mobile App or by visiting the Charlotte Crime Stoppers website For additional information about this case, please refer to the reports: 19930722-1221-00 and 19940825-0045-00.
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