File photo
Photos of Sarah Yarborough.

File photo Photos of Sarah Yarborough.

Federal Way teen’s case will be featured on ‘48 Hours’

The 1991 murder of Sarah Yarborough and conviction this year of her killer

The Federal Way community found some sense of relief this past June when the killer of teen Sarah Yarborough was convicted for her 1991 death.

The nation will now share that journey through an episode of the CBS show “48 Hours” on the case, airing at 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.

“48 Hours” is described as a news magazine by CBS that “investigates intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all aspects of the human experience.” The program and its team have earned critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy, Peabody and Edward R. Murrow Awards.

The anniversary of Sarah’s death is approaching. Her body was found raped and strangled in a wooded area of the Federal Way High School campus around 8 a.m. Dec. 14, 1991. She was 16 years old.

Christine H. B. Katayama was one of the assistant principals at Federal Way High School when Sarah was found murdered. In an email with The Federal Way Mirror, she shared that “as the anniversary approaches this year, I wonder if there might be some actions that might be initiated to mobilize support for the increased use of DNA (familial) which might be included within the context of the documentary.”

Katayama added that “I’ve assured Laura and Tom Yarborough that I am willing to support efforts that could lead to legislation or other actions that might be considered something we do in memory of Sarah.”

The type of DNA analysis referred to by Katayama was crucial in the arrest and conviction of Sarah’s killer, Patrick Nicholas, who was sentenced to 45 years and 8 months in prison.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Northwest

A northern giant hornet seen on an apple. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture)
Invasive ‘murder hornets’ found in WA have been eradicated

The hunt for invasive “murder hornets” is over in Washington and the… Continue reading

t
Second suspect arrested in Federal Way IHOP shooting death of 2-year-old

His DNA was reportedly found in the vehicle, and he is thought to be the driver.

t
Antique Marketplace in Auburn loses nearly $10,000 from theft

SEE THE VIDEO: The pair who allegedly carried out the theft had a toddler whom they used as a distraction.

King County District Court (pictured left to right): Judge Raul Martinez, Judge Corinna Harn, Judge Lisa Paglisotti, Judge Fa’amomoi Masaniai, Judge Kristin Shotwell, Judge Rebecca C. Robertson, Judge Peter Peaquin, Judge Jill Klinge, Judge Lisa O’Toole, Judge Kevin Peck, Judge Matthew York, Judge Leah Taguba, Judge Brian Todd, Judge Elizabeth D. Stephenson, Judge Kuljinder Dhillon, Judge Marcus Naylor, Judge Karama H. Hawkins, Judge Nathaniel Green. COURTESY PHOTO
Should Auburn restart its own municipal court?

City leaders are examining the cost and logistics behind current contract with King County.

Photos of Antonio Garcia-Fonseca. Courtesy of GoFundMe.
Federal Way man who shot teen in 2021 pleads guilty to manslaughter

The state recommends a sentence of nine years, six months

Several alternatives are being considered for the next stage of the link light rail linking Federal Way to the Tacoma Dome. These alternatives compare the possibilities for the segment of this section between Federal Way and Fife. Graphic provided by Sound Transit.
Public input sought for Federal Way to Tacoma Dome light rail route

Five options include routes along Interstate 5 or State Route 99. Public comment is open until Feb. 10, 2025.

Courtesy of the Renton Police Department.
24 chihuahuas seized from a Renton home

Many of the dogs were injured, and the home was dirty.

File photo
Glenfield Watkins.
Sexual assault victims file claims against Federal Way school district

The claims stem from former teacher Glenfield Watkins assault on student at Totem Middle School.

t
Auburn man charged with vehicular homicide in FW crash

Documents state his blood alcohol content was 0.132.

t
Auburn Police arrest man for investigation of multiple violent crimes

Detectives seize firearms and high-capacity magazines.

Screenshot of the lawsuit.
Lawsuit dismissed against Federal Way lawyer accused of fraud

The judge granted her motion to dismiss with prejudice, meaning the case is permanently dismissed

t
Charges upgraded for suspect in Federal Way hatchet attack

Noel Esteban, 72, died nearly eight months after being attacked