DNA evidence and genealogical research have led to the arrest of a 69-year-old man in the Philippines for the 1989 kidnapping and sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl in Florida, authorities announced.
Case Details
The suspect, identified as Young Tom Talmadge, was apprehended by Filipino immigration agents on April 23 at his home in Cavite, Philippines, more than 9,000 miles from Tampa. He faces charges including sexual battery on a child under 12, lewd acts on a child, and kidnapping to commit a felony.
According to reports, the crime occurred when a man approached the girl inside a bowling alley, gave her coins for arcade games, and lured her to his car. He then sexually assaulted her before taking her to another bowling alley and leaving her there. Customers and employees at the first alley, Tampa Lanes, searched desperately for the girl, and a man at the second alley recognized her and ended the search.
Investigative Breakthrough
The case remained unsolved for over 35 years until March 2025, when the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office obtained a warrant for Talmadge's arrest. The breakthrough came from preserved DNA evidence combined with genealogical research, a technique that has gained prominence in solving cold cases.
Philippine authorities stated they are also moving to deport Talmadge, citing his status as a fugitive. Immigration Bureau Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest was part of the "Shield Kids" campaign, which aims to prevent the Philippines from becoming a haven for foreign sex offenders. "Foreign fugitives who commit crimes against children will find no refuge here," Viado said in a statement.
It remains unclear when Talmadge will be transferred to the United States to face charges.
