In a dramatic breakthrough in a decades-old cold case, authorities have charged a man in connection with the 1996 killing of a young woman whose body was discovered nearly 30 years ago in a drainage ditch.

Brian Walton, 63, has been charged with the murder of Claudia Guevara, who was 23 at the time of her death, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. Guevara disappeared in February 1996 after being dropped off at a bus stop in El Monte. Her nude body was found the following day, showing signs of sexual assault and a fatal stab wound to the neck.

Investigators said DNA evidence connected Walton to the crime. Authorities believe he did not have any prior relationship with Guevara.

Walton is facing a single count of murder, along with special circumstance allegations that the killing occurred during the commission of rape and sodomy.

“The victim’s family has endured nearly three decades of painful waiting for answers,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. “Although this case went cold, law enforcement never stopped pursuing justice, and today’s charges reflect our unwavering commitment to holding offenders accountable.”