‘Austin Powers’ Actor Linked to Rape Is Subject of ’48 Hours’ Investigation

Joe Son’s DNA linked him to a 1990 sexual assault, but the statute of limitations has expired

joe son random task austin powers rape
New Line Cinema

An “Austin Powers” actor linked by DNA to a 25-year-old rape case is the subject of the latest “48 Hours.”

Joe Son, who played Random Task in the first “Austin Powers” film, is now in prison — but not for committing the rape. The episode, “My Name is Victoria,” tells the story of the woman who lived through the attack, and how Son and a high school friend ended up behind bars.

The woman was just 19 on Christmas Eve in December 1990 when two men came out of nowhere as she approached her apartment.

“I got pounced from the front and the back,” she said. “He slammed a gun to my head. And, he’s just like in my ear, ‘I’m going to kill you so bad, I’m going to throw you off the cliffs, I’m going to mutilate you and throw you down the cliffs.’”

She managed to escape, but police hit a dead end in their investigation and the case went cold. Then, after 18 years, DNA evidence led them to Son.

Before trial, however, prosecutors discovered that the statute of limitations for rape and kidnapping had long expired.

Son is currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of felony torture. He also stands accused of murdering his cellmate while incarcerated.

“48 Hours: Live to Tell: My Name is Victoria” will be broadcast Jan. 23 at 10 p.m/9c on CBS.

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