1983 Cold Case Murder Near Hearst Castle is Now Solved Due to DNA Analysis

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is announcing it has officially solved the 1983 murder of Dorothy “Toby” Tate, bringing resolution to a case that remained unsolved for more than four decades.

On November 15, 1983, deputies responded to a report of a suspicious van parked at a turnout along Highway 1, approximately 3 miles north of Hearst Castle. Inside the van, detectives discovered the body of Toby Tate, who had been fatally shot. The case initially yielded no known suspects and remained an open cold case for many years.

Through an extensive review of original evidence, reports, and forensic material, Cold Case/Unsolved Homicide Detective Clint Cole reopened the case using modern investigative techniques, including advanced DNA genealogy analysis. Blood evidence recovered at the crime scene was submitted for forensic genealogy, which identified Steven Richard Hardy as a contributor. This identification was confirmed through DNA comparison with a close family member.

Additional evidence from the original investigation, including fingerprints recovered from a Coca-Cola can found at the scene, placed Charley Sneed at the crime scene.

Both Hardy and Sneed were residents of Texas at the time and are now deceased. No evidence suggests the involvement of any additional suspects.

Detective Cole determined that the two men were involved in the murder of Toby Tate beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence indicates the crime was likely committed during a burglary or theft, as property belonging to the victim was later pawned in California.

Detective Cole has also been instrumental in helping solve other high-profile cases, including the murders of Kristin Smart and Nancy Woodrum.

“This case demonstrates the power of modern forensic science and the commitment of Detective Cole, who never stopped working to bring justice to victims and their families,” said Sheriff Ian Parkinson.

Given the totality of the evidence, the Sheriff’s Office has requested and received review by the District Attorney’s Office, confirming that sufficient probable cause exists to support prosecution had the suspects been alive. The case has now been officially closed as “exceptionally cleared.”

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank Parabon Nanolabs and Head Geanologist CeCe Moore, Othram Labs, Shelby Liddell with the Sheriff’s Crime Lab, and Dominick Rostenberg from the Phoenix Police Department.

DATE AND TIME OF INCIDENT: 11-15-1983
PLACE OF OCCURRENCE: HIGHWAY 1, NORTH OF HEARST CASTLE
VICTIM INFORMATION: DOROTHY “TOBY” TATE
SUSPECT INFORMATION: STEVEN RICHARD HARDY, CHARLEY SNEED