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News Release

WASHINGTON COUNTY DA COLD CASE UNIT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO MURDER CHARGES IN 1994 UNSOLVED HOMICIDE - 08/05/26

HILLSBORO, Ore- Randall Joseph Gall, age 66, was arrested Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for the 1994 murder of 85-year-old Veta Hardebeck, of Gaston.

 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Negotiations Team facilitated the arrest at the defendant’s home in Gaston, Ore. on August 4, 2026, after a Washington County Grand Jury issued an indictment charging Mr. Gall with Murder in the Second Degree on Monday. He is currently held without bail at the Washington County Jail.

 

Ms. Hardebeck was found deceased in her home on February 16, 1994.  Investigators believe at the time of the homicide Mr. Gall lived on a neighboring property.  Despite a robust investigation in 1994, the case remained unsolved for over 30 years.

 

The Washington County DA’s Office Cold Case Unit conducted additional investigation on this case using specialized funding from a grant from the Oregon Cold Case Investigators Association (OCCIA) and Brothers Car Collection.  These additional resources allowed investigators to submit multiple items of evidence to a private lab for advanced DNA testing and analysis, resulting in this indictment.

 

The Washington County DA’s Office Cold Case Unit was founded in 2020 by federal grant funding.  Its mission is to investigate and prosecute violent crime cold cases that involve identified DNA associated with a possible suspect. The Cold Case Unit was formed in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and funded by the Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.  The grant funds two cold case detectives and a forensic consultant.

 

The DA’s Cold Case Unit has solved multiple cases over the past several years.  In March 2023, it solved the 1988 murder of Deborah Atrops, leading to the conviction of her husband, Robert Atrops, following a three-week jury trial.  In February 2026, it worked in partnership with the Hillsboro Police Department to solve the 1992 murder of Elizabeth Wasson by serial killer Cesar Barone.

 

“We are grateful to the Brothers Car Collection and the Oregon Cold Case Investigators Association for providing critical grant dollars to support advanced DNA testing and analysis,” said Washington County DA Kevin Barton.  “Using today’s science to solve yesterday’s crimes helps ensure we bring justice to victims, their families, and our community.”

 

Those with information about this, or any other cold case in Washington County, should contact law enforcement. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can submit a confidential tip.

 

This release is sent on behalf of the Washington County District Attorney's Office. Please contact them with any questions at 503-846-8671.

WASHINGTON COUNTY DA COLD CASE UNIT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO MURDER CHARGES IN 1994 UNSOLVED HOMICIDE - 08/05/26

HILLSBORO, Ore- Randall Joseph Gall, age 66, was arrested Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for the 1994 murder of 85-year-old Veta Hardebeck, of Gaston.

 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Negotiations Team facilitated the arrest at the defendant’s home in Gaston, Ore. on August 4, 2026, after a Washington County Grand Jury issued an indictment charging Mr. Gall with Murder in the Second Degree on Monday. He is currently held without bail at the Washington County Jail.

 

Ms. Hardebeck was found deceased in her home on February 16, 1994.  Investigators believe at the time of the homicide Mr. Gall lived on a neighboring property.  Despite a robust investigation in 1994, the case remained unsolved for over 30 years.

 

The Washington County DA’s Office Cold Case Unit conducted additional investigation on this case using specialized funding from a grant from the Oregon Cold Case Investigators Association (OCCIA) and Brothers Car Collection.  These additional resources allowed investigators to submit multiple items of evidence to a private lab for advanced DNA testing and analysis, resulting in this indictment.

 

The Washington County DA’s Office Cold Case Unit was founded in 2020 by federal grant funding.  Its mission is to investigate and prosecute violent crime cold cases that involve identified DNA associated with a possible suspect. The Cold Case Unit was formed in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and funded by the Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.  The grant funds two cold case detectives and a forensic consultant.

 

The DA’s Cold Case Unit has solved multiple cases over the past several years.  In March 2023, it solved the 1988 murder of Deborah Atrops, leading to the conviction of her husband, Robert Atrops, following a three-week jury trial.  In February 2026, it worked in partnership with the Hillsboro Police Department to solve the 1992 murder of Elizabeth Wasson by serial killer Cesar Barone.

 

“We are grateful to the Brothers Car Collection and the Oregon Cold Case Investigators Association for providing critical grant dollars to support advanced DNA testing and analysis,” said Washington County DA Kevin Barton.  “Using today’s science to solve yesterday’s crimes helps ensure we bring justice to victims, their families, and our community.”

 

Those with information about this, or any other cold case in Washington County, should contact law enforcement. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can submit a confidential tip.

 

This release is sent on behalf of the Washington County District Attorney's Office. Please contact them with any questions at 503-846-8671.