DNA Breakthrough: Linda Sue Childers Finally Identified After 50 Years

By | March 17, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. DNA identification Connecticut cold case
2. Investigative work murder victim DNA analysis

After nearly 50 years, the identity of one of the victims found in a shallow grave has been revealed by Connecticut State Police. Linda Sue Childers was one of two people shot in a double homicide in 1970. The remains were discovered in Ledyard, Connecticut, in 1974. Despite using an alias, her identity remained a mystery until DNA samples were sent to a genetic genealogy company in 2022. Through advancements in forensic science technology, Childers’ daughter was identified, bringing closure to the family. The other victim was identified as Gustavous Lee Carmichael, a convicted serial bank robber.

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1. Cold case DNA analysis Connecticut
2. Forensic investigation cold case Connecticut

By Zenebou Sylla, CNN

The Discovery of Long-Lost Remains

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After nearly half a century, the remains of a long-lost victim have finally been identified in a small town in Connecticut. Connecticut State Police recently announced the identification of Linda Sue Childers, one of the victims in a double homicide case that dates back to December 31, 1970. The skeletal remains of Childers and another individual were discovered in a shallow grave in Ledyard, Connecticut, in 1974, shedding light on a decades-old mystery.

A Decades-Long Mystery Unraveled

For years, investigators struggled to uncover the identity of Linda Sue Childers, as she had used an alias that could not be verified. The case remained unsolved, with no DNA matches available to provide answers. However, recent advancements in forensic science and genetic genealogy have paved the way for breakthroughs in cold cases like this one.

The Search for Clues

Following the discovery of the remains, investigators found clothing and jewellery that belonged to Childers, including a tan leather “wet look” vest, a gold or tan sweater, a brown tweed skirt, and a pair of brown granny boots. Among her possessions were a pendant, rings, and a class ring with engravings that provided vital clues to her identity.

Collaborative Efforts Lead to Identification

In 2011, Childers’ case data, dental X-rays, and physical description were uploaded to national missing persons databases, but it was not until 2022 that DNA samples were sent to a private genetic genealogy company for analysis. Through a collaborative effort between law enforcement officials and genetic genealogists, DNA results in 2024 confirmed Childers’ identity.

Bringing Closure to a Family

The breakthrough in identifying Linda Sue Childers has brought closure to her family, providing them with long-awaited answers about her disappearance. Conversations with the family revealed details about Childers’ whereabouts in the years leading up to her tragic end, offering a glimpse into her life before the fateful events of 1970.

A Tragic Past Unveiled

It was revealed that the other victim in the double homicide case was Gustavous Lee Carmichael, a convicted serial bank robber who had a history of escaping from federal custody. The identification of both victims has shed light on a dark chapter in Connecticut’s history, bringing closure to a case that had remained unsolved for nearly five decades.