Attorney General Sunday's Cold Case Section, Erie Investigators Announce Charges in 2002 Rape, Murder of 20-Year-Old Sabrina Kahler

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September 22, 2026 - Erie, PA

Attorney General Sunday's Cold Case Section, Erie Investigators Announce Charges in 2002 Rape, Murder of 20-Year-Old Sabrina Kahler

Attorney General Dave Sunday and Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz, in conjunction with the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, announced charges against an Indiana man who kidnapped and raped 20-year-old Sabrina Kahler in Erie County in 2002.

Attorney General Sunday's recently-formed Cold Case Section collaborated with local investigators and the grand jury, which returned a presentment this week recommending murder, rape, and kidnapping charges against David Heck.

Heck, now 50, took Sabrina swimming on June 24, 2002, before taking her to a wooded area near Lake Erie where he raped and killed her. Her body has not been located.

Heck was charged Monday and taken into custody at his Indiana home late Monday night. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General and Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz.

"A totality of evidence that included key grand jury testimony from previously-reluctant witnesses led to a single conclusion - that David Heck raped and murdered Sabrina Kahler 24 years ago," Attorney General Sunday said. "This is a historical development that brings some answers for Sabrina's loved ones and the Erie community, but it is not a day of celebration as we have not yet brought Sabrina home. Efforts will continue to answer that one remaining question of "where is she?""

Speakers in Order:
PA Attorney General Dave Sunday
Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz
Chief Rick Lorah - Erie Police Department

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