Gary S. Wild
SAN RAFAEL — The Marin County Sheriff’s Department arrested a man suspected of being responsible for a homicide that happened at the College of Marin in October 1998.
The suspect Gary S. Wild, a 57-year-old electrician from San Rafael, was arrested on October 8 at 4:29 a.m., inside the Marin County Sheriff’s Office headquarters.
Wild purportedly confessed to a murder that occurred at the college’s campus in Kentfield nearly 19 years ago. The victim’s body was found lying near a creek.
Wild was one of several people at a nearby homeless encampment when the death occurred on October 28, 1998, and he was considered as a potential suspect.
The victim was initially believed to have died from a heart attack. However, a subsequent investigation including an autopsy was conducted, but the findings were inconclusive. Therefore, no one was charged for any wrongdoing at that time.
Authorities have not identified the victim, pending notification of family regarding recent developments in this newly re-opened case.
Authorities suspect that the victim died of asphyxiation caused by strangulation.
Wild came to the San Rafael police station on October 7, where police said he confessed to the killing. Police then took Wild over to the county sheriff’s office for further questioning.
After investigators questioned Wild, he was transported to Marin County Jail and booked for first degree murder. He remains in custody on open charges, pending further investigation by prosecutors regarding what happened in October 1998.
