Police have managed to identify the killer of a young woman in New Hampshire, United States, more than 40 years after the victim’s body was found.
The body of Laura Kempton, 23, was found at her home by a police officer who came to send her a summons to court on September 28, 1981.
The autopsy later revealed that the young woman, a student in a school of aesthetics, had died following a severe blow to the head. In addition, she had been sexually assaulted.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Several years after the tragedy, the police then noticed traces of DNA on exhibits found at the scene. In 2022, authorities were able to identify the perpetrator of this homicide using forensic genetic genealogy technology.
Deceased suspect
Laura Kempton’s murderer is Ronney James Lee, who died of a cocaine overdose in 2005, the New Hampshire Department of Justice said in a statement released Thursday.
“I hope this finding and announcement will be the long-awaited first step in providing the closure that the criminal justice system can offer Laura Kempton’s family and the community,” said Attorney General John M Formella.
Although there is enough evidence to have charges, they cannot be laid due to the death of the suspect. The case is therefore resolved without charges and trial.
— With ABC News and WCVB