1972 SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MURDER OF NELLIE HICKS SOLVED WITH GENEALOGICAL DNA: SUSPECT IDENTIFIED AS SERIAL SEXUAL/HOMICIDE OFFENDER

Newark, California (Thursday, February 8, 2024) 
After nearly 52 years of persistent investigative work, the Newark Police Department has announced that Fred Bernard Farnham is believed to be responsible for the rape and murder of then 59-year-old victim, Nellie Hicks. 
 
On May 10, 1972, Mrs. Hicks was found by her son deceased inside their home. Evidence suggested the suspect entered the Newark residence through a rear door. It was later determined by investigators that Mrs. Hicks was a victim of sexual assault and died as a result of blunt force trauma.
 
The evidence collected during the initial autopsy was later determined to contain DNA from Farnham. This was a time when DNA technology did not yet exist. Through the decades, detectives continued to investigate, using new investigative technologies as they were developed.
 
Hayward Police Department has also announced the identification of Farnham as the suspect in a sexual assault/murder that occurred in 1979 in their jurisdiction. Following the murder of Hayward resident, Theresa Pica, it was immediately believed the two incidents were connected based on their similarities. Ongoing collaboration from both agencies took place as each case was continuously investigated before being linked through DNA evidence.
 
The investigation experienced a breakthrough in December of 2023 when detectives received assistance and resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Genealogical DNA technology was utilized and identified Farnham as the man believed to be responsible for the rape and murder of Mrs. Hicks.
 
In 2007, Farnham died at a hospital in Oregon at the age of 73. Available records indicate that Farnham was a resident in Santa Clara County and there is no information to believe he was ever a resident of Newark.
 
Farnham’s criminal records revealed he had several prior rape convictions and served time in prison. If still alive, Farnham would be considered a serial sexual/homicide offender, as he was found to be responsible for a number of sexual assault incidents in the greater Bay Area through the years.
 
 
Based on the fact Farnham is believed to be responsible for two rape and murder incidents and his extensive criminal history, we have reason to believe there could be more incidents in other cities with unsolved cases. We have requested any law enforcement agencies who believe they have similar cases to contact Hayward Police Detective Robert Purnell at 510-293-7176.
 
The Newark Police Department would like to thank the FBI, Hayward Police Department, and Astrea Forensics in Santa Cruz for their partnership and assistance with this investigation.
 
We also want to commend the numerous men and women at the Newark Police Department who have spent countless hours, working tirelessly, to bring justice for the family of Mrs. Nellie Hicks.
 
The Newark PD Case number is # 72-02055