DNA discovered beneath the fingernails of a girl raped and killed greater than 42 years in the past has led to the arrest of suspect in a 1980 chilly case, police introduced Monday.
Sandra DiFelice, 25, was discovered lifeless Dec. 26, 1980 about 9:30 p.m. within the house she shared with a roommate, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Division Lt. Jason Johansson informed reporters at a information convention.
The house the place officers discovered her physique is situated a number of blocks from the police division’s downtown command middle.
In accordance with a division press launch, DNA collected from below her fingernails was examined utilizing new know-how after detectives revisited her case final yr.
On Thursday, police arrested 64-year-old Paul Nuttall and charged him with homicide, sexual assault and housebreaking in connection to DiFelice’s slaying, the discharge continues.
“I’m hopeful ultimately form or type this gives closure for the household,” Johansson mentioned.
Police didn’t say how DiFelice died.
On the day of the crime, DiFelice’s daughter was 3-years-old and was staying along with her grandparents, Johansson mentioned. The lady reached out about her mom’s murder case to police final yr prompting a evaluation.
Historical past of threats towards Nancy Pelosi:“It is right here; we should not be shocked”
Chicago drive-by taking pictures:14 individuals, together with 3 kids, shot in Halloween night time drive-by on Chicago’s West Aspect
After the division’s DNA lab seemed on the case once more, officers discovered further proof and processed it utilizing new and superior DNA know-how, police mentioned.
Proof led police to Nuttall who lives in Las Vegas.
Courtroom data present Nuttall was jailed in Las Vegas Tuesday and was due in court docket Wednesday for a listening to on his costs.
Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending information for USA TODAY. Attain her at nalund@usatoday.com and observe her on Twitter @nataliealund.