The Unsolved Murder of Sarah Yarborough: Seeking Justice for the Talented High School Student Whose Life was Tragically Cut Short

Sarah Yarborough, an ambitious 16-year-old honor student, had her bright future abruptly halted when she was brutally murdered on the campus of Federal Way High School during her junior year in 1991. Despite the presence of DNA evidence and potential eyewitnesses, it would take nearly three decades to unmask Sarah’s killer. This case had a profound impact, not only on her family and friends but also on the dedicated investigators spanning multiple generations.

A Chilling Discovery and Encounter

It was an ordinary morning in December when 13-year-old Drew Miller and his friend set out for a day of skateboarding. Little did they know that their lives would forever be marked by the horrifying scene they would stumble upon at the high school. The memory of that day is etched in Drew’s mind, from the shock of finding a young woman’s lifeless body concealed in the bushes to the eerie encounter with a mysterious man lurking nearby. The sudden appearance of the man, the gruesome sight before them, and the realization that they were standing near the suspected killer would haunt Drew for years to come.

An Unsettling Crime Scene

The victim, later identified as Sarah Yarborough, was found partially dressed with her belongings scattered about. Investigator Scott Strathy described the scene as “pure unadulterated evil” and believed it to be a sexually motivated murder. Sarah’s parents, Tom and Laura Yarborough, faced the heart-wrenching task of informing their youngest son about the tragic loss of his sister. The vibrant future of college and travel that awaited Sarah was tragically snuffed out, leaving her loved ones engulfed in unparalleled grief and disbelief.

Remembering Sarah: The Echoes of Friendship

Sarah’s closest friends, Liberty Barnes, Kristi Gutierrez, Amy Parodi, and Mary Beth Thome, fondly recall her fiery red hair and vivacious personality. They describe her as artistic, feisty, and endlessly imaginative. The loss of Sarah shattered their sense of safety and security, exposing them to the harsh realities of the world at a tender age. With DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene, investigators held onto the hope that advancing technology would eventually shed light on Sarah’s killer.

A Lingering Question: Unmasking the Culprit

Despite the passage of time, the case of Sarah Yarborough continues to captivate curiosity and fascination, leaving one burning question unanswered: Who was the enigmatic man, and what truly transpired on that fateful day? This unsolved mystery has left an indelible mark on the community.

Source: CBS News