Man Accused of Child Rape Discovered to Have Faked Death, Lived in LA for 15 Years

Christian R. Basham, who evaded 2008 charges by allegedly jumping off a bridge, was found to have lived under an alias until his death in 2024.

A man accused of child rape in 2008 in Washington state faked his death by allegedly jumping off a bridge, living under an assumed name in Los Angeles for 15 years.
Christian R. Basham, known as Mark Clemens in LA, was discovered to have faked his death following his death in February 2024, shocking residents and neighbors.
Basham was charged with second-degree child rape and released on $350,000 bail, but missed his court date and was presumed dead after a suicide note was found.
Residents of the Los Angeles apartment where Basham worked as a maintenance man expressed shock and concern, having known him as a normal, helpful neighbor.
Authorities are conducting follow-up investigations to trace Basham's movements and actions since his disappearance in 2009.