Accident – death – Obituary News :

Decades-Old Cold Case Solved: DNA Evidence Identifies Attacker of Three Indiana Girls

In a breakthrough discovery, DNA evidence has revealed the identity of the man responsible for the abduction and stabbing of three young girls in Indiana nearly 50 years ago. The case had remained unsolved until now, with investigators utilizing cutting-edge forensic genetic genealogy techniques to identify the culprit. The attacker has been identified as Thomas Edward Williams, who died in a Texas prison in November 1983 at the age of 49, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

A Cold Case Finally Closed

The attack took place in August 1975 when the three girls, aged 11, 13, and 14, were abducted while hitchhiking in Indianapolis. The assailant drove them to a cornfield in suburban Hancock County, where the horrific incident unfolded. One of the girls was brutally raped and stabbed in the throat and chest, while the other two had their throats slashed. Miraculously, the victims managed to flag down a passing motorist, ultimately saving their lives.

For decades, the case remained unsolved, leaving the victims and their families without closure. However, in 2018, the now-adult women contacted the police, reigniting the investigation. The authorities decided to re-examine the evidence, leading to the crucial breakthrough.

Advancements in Forensic Genetic Genealogy

Utilizing forensic genetic genealogy, investigators were able to develop a full DNA profile of an unknown male from the previously gathered evidence. The profile was then matched to two additional DNA profiles obtained from other pieces of evidence. The next step involved submitting the profile to DNA Labs International, a renowned forensic laboratory in Florida, where state-of-the-art technology was employed to analyze the DNA.

Thanks to ancestry analysis, the suspect’s children were identified, which played a crucial role in confirming the attacker’s identity. DNA samples obtained from Williams’ relatives provided the necessary evidence to conclude that Thomas Edward Williams was responsible for the heinous crime committed against the three girls.

Justice and Closure for the Survivors

At a recent news conference, the three survivors, Sheri Rottler Trick, Kathie Rottler, and Kandice Smith, expressed their gratitude to the dedicated detectives and law enforcement agencies who never gave up on their case. They also shared their emotional journeys of healing and forgiveness.

Kandice Smith expressed her sense of peace, stating, “I’m at peace now in my heart.” Meanwhile, Sheri Rottler Trick revealed that she had forgiven her attacker in order to move forward with her life. The survivors’ strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to others who have experienced similar traumas.

It is important to note that the Associated Press does not typically disclose the identities of sexual assault victims unless they choose to come forward publicly.

The resolution of this decades-old cold case serves as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement agencies in seeking justice for victims of unsolved crimes. Thanks to advancements in DNA analysis and forensic technology, even the coldest of cases can now be reopened and resolved, providing closure to survivors and their families.

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