Linda Sue Childers : “DNA Investigative Work Helps Identify Murder Victim in CT 50 Years Later”

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Identification of Long-Deceased Victim Brings Closure to Decades-Old Cold Case

After nearly 50 years since the skeletal remains of two homicide victims were discovered in a shallow grave, Connecticut State Police have finally identified one of the victims. Linda Sue Childers was one of two individuals fatally shot in a double homicide on December 31, 1970, in Ledyard, Connecticut. The remains were found almost three-and-a-half years later in 1974, leaving investigators with a mystery that lasted for decades.

The Search for Answers

For years, no DNA matches were found, and the woman’s identity remained unknown. Complicating matters further, Childers had used an alias that was never verified, making it challenging for investigators to confirm her identity. Two suspects, Richard DeFreitas and Donald Brant, were arrested and convicted shortly after the discovery of the bodies, but both men have since passed away.

A Breakthrough in the Case

Recent advancements in forensic science and genetic genealogy technology have paved the way for a breakthrough in the case. In 2011, Childers’ case data, dental X-rays, and physical description were uploaded to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, followed by her data being entered into the Combined DNA Index System in 2012. However, it wasn’t until July 2022 that DNA samples were sent to a private genetic genealogy company, leading to a collaboration that reopened the investigation.

Family Confirmation

In January 2024, DNA results helped identify Childers’ sister, and subsequently, her daughter. Confirmation of Childers’ identity came in February 2024 when DNA from the daughter matched. Conversations with the family confirmed Childers’ whereabouts in the Northeast before her disappearance, providing closure and answers to her loved ones.

Unravelling the Past

Childers was found wearing distinctive clothing and jewellery, including a tan leather “wet look” vest, a gold or tan sweater, a brown tweed skirt, and brown granny boots. She also had a pendant and rings, along with a class ring bearing the initials J.H.S.N., I.L.N., and the date 1917 engraved inside. The other victim in the case was previously identified as Gustavous Lee Carmichael, a convicted serial bank robber who once escaped from federal custody.

Through the dedication of law enforcement and the advancements in forensic technology, the identification of Linda Sue Childers has brought closure to a long-standing cold case, providing answers and peace to her family after decades of uncertainty.

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