Maria Honzell : “Teen Babysitter Cold Case Solved After 50 Years”

The long-standing mystery surrounding the brutal murder of Maria Honzell, a 14-year-old girl found dead while babysitting in a Colorado Springs home in 1977, has finally been solved, authorities have revealed.

Honzell was discovered fatally stabbed on the floor of the home where she was caring for two children on the evening of February 7, 1977. Shocked neighbours found her lifeless body and immediately called the police, who arrived at the scene to investigate the tragic incident.

After decades of uncertainty, a breakthrough in the case came in 2019 when investigators turned to Parabon NanoLabs for genetic genealogy DNA analysis. A male DNA profile was extracted from a bloodstain on Honzell’s clothing, but initial attempts to match it with potential suspects proved unsuccessful.

Ultimately, through a combination of genetic genealogy research and traditional detective work, authorities were able to identify a person of interest as William Charles Kernan, Jr., also known as Bill Kernan. Kernan, who passed away in 2010, was a college student and an acquaintance of Honzell. He had been to the apartment complex where the tragic incident occurred on previous occasions.

Despite not being able to obtain DNA samples from Kernan due to his cremation and lack of living biological relatives, the evidence gathered through genetic genealogy analysis was compelling enough for the District Attorney’s Office to confidently attribute the murder of Maria Honzell to him.

“The family and friends of Maria Honzell have been waiting for over 47 years to see justice served,” the police said in a statement. “After years of relentless investigation and analysis, the Colorado Springs Police Department is pleased to finally bring closure to Maria’s loved ones.”

Continued Efforts for Justice

The resolution of the cold case is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of law enforcement agencies in seeking justice for victims and their families. The collaborative efforts between investigators, forensic experts, and genealogical researchers highlight the advancements in technology and investigative techniques that are helping to solve previously unsolved crimes.

As the case of Maria Honzell demonstrates, no matter how much time has passed, law enforcement agencies are committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

While the closure of this case brings some solace to the loved ones of Maria Honzell, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of never giving up on seeking justice for victims of violent crimes.

As authorities continue to work towards solving cold cases and bringing closure to families affected by unresolved tragedies, the resolution of the Maria Honzell case stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking answers and justice.