SAN DIEGO — The widow of a former San Diego police crime lab employee questioned in a cold case murder on Tuesday said she feels vindicated.
Kevin Brown, 62, took his own life in 2014, after being questioned in the 1984 murder of Claire Hough.
His wife has since fought to clear his name and a jury sided with her and his estate.
Rebecca Brown explained her feelings when the jury reached a verdict: “My heart was in my throat."
Her husband hanged himself in October 2014, nine months after San Diego homicide detectives questioned him about his sperm DNA on the vaginal swabs of cold case murder victim, Claire Hough.
On Friday a federal civil jury awarded his wife and estate a combined $6 million. On Tuesday, the jury awarded $50,000 in damages.
Hough was 14 when she was found raped and murdered and at Torrey Pines State Park in 1984.
Brown told his wife he was convinced it was cross contamination. Back in the 1980’s, employees used sperm DNA as a control sample. The family attorney said detectives lied about that possibility to get a search warrant. Witness testimony corroborated and said employee sperm was used as a control sample. The city attorney said the 62-year-old’s depression is what led to his suicide.
“I’m very relieved that Kevin was finally vindicated. My voice was heard, and his voice was heard,” said Brown.
During Tuesday's interview she wiped a tear from her cheek and said this is vindication she never stopped fighting to clear her husband’s name.
“I felt I had to fight for my rights and Kevin's rights. I knew if this could happen to us, it could happen to anyone,” said Brown.
The San Diego Police Department has not released a statement.
A written statement from the City Attorney’s Office says:
“This was a unique case largely based on circumstantial evidence. The jury did not have the opportunity to consider information that would have negated or eliminated taxpayer liability. The City is exploring its options for appeal.”