More than four decades after the ex-wife of Righteous Brothers singer Bill Medley was raped and killed, officials announced Monday they used DNA to identify a suspect in the slaying: a man who was killed by police in 1982.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said investigators believe Kenneth Eugene Troyer was responsible for the January 1976 slaying of Karen Klaas. The 32-year-old was attacked Jan. 30, 1976, as she returned to her home in the Hermosa Beach neighborhood, was sexually assaulted and strangled with her pantyhose. She never regained consciousness and died a few days later at the hospital. Investigators used a controversial DNA testing technique, known as familial DNA, to compare a sample of DNA that was collected at the crime scene and were able to identify a "first-degree relative" of Troyer, Sheriff's Capt. Steve Katz said.
Officials would not identify the relative and would only say the sample they used was in a state database of convicted felons. The technique, which has raised ethical issues in the forensics community, allows investigators to search law enforcement databases to identify likely relatives of the person who may have committed the crime. Law enforcement officials have argued the technique can provide investigators with valuable leads.
"Because of the familial DNA search, detectives were able to link Troyer's DNA and positively confirm his identity as the killer," McDonnell said Monday as he stood alongside Medley and more than a dozen other law enforcement officials. "Familial DNA search is the only reason Troyer was identified in this horrific crime."
Troyer, who had been suspected of committing several other sexual assaults in California, was shot and killed by police after escaping from a California prison in 1982, McDonnell said. As investigators began to hone in on him as a possible suspect last year, they were able to obtain a sample of his DNA that was held in the Orange County coroner's office and conclusively link him to Klaas' slaying, Katz said.
The arrest brought closure to a family that has struggled with questions for decades, Medley told reporters at a news conference Monday. "It's been something we've been hoping for and speculating about for 40 years and all of a sudden they say, `We got him and here's who did it,"' Medley said. "It's just nice to be able to close the book on this."
Righteous Bros were a great band-and great band name...
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this story! Hello, I am a long time lurker. As you may or may not know a young woman named Karina Vetrano was brutally murdered on August 2, 2016 while out jogging in broad daylight. I am asking on behalf of the friends and family of Karina, including myself, a family friend, and a long term supporter of this community to consider signing this petition. There is a meeting scheduled for 2/2/17 that will determine if the police can use familial DNA testing to attempt to identify the brutal murderer who took this sweet girls life. I hope that Karina's loved ones will receive the closure that Karen Klass' loved ones now have. Please take a look at the petition. Thank you. ugust 2, 2016. The police obtained DNA but did not match it to anyone in their database. There will be a meeting on 2/10/16 to decide if NY can use familial DNA testing to identify and incarcerate the merciless murderer who took her life. I am asking as a long term reader of this blog and community that you consider signing this petition, it devesatates me to know that the animal is still out there and more women are at risk. Thank you. https://www.change.org/p/department-of-justice-familial-dna-testing-for-identifying-killer-in-new-york-murder-rape-cases?utm_medium=copylink&utm_source=share_petition&recruiter=646348700
ReplyDeleteAs a person who lost a friend from gun violence--yes I will.
ReplyDeleteMy apologies on posting before editing, here is more decipherable English. Thank you for posting this story!
ReplyDeleteHello, I am a long time lurker. As you may or may not know a young woman named Karina Vetrano was brutally murdered on August 2, 2016 while out jogging in broad daylight. I am asking on behalf of the friends and family of Karina, including myself, a family friend, and a long term supporter of this community to consider signing this petition. There is a meeting scheduled for 2/10/17 that will determine if the police can use familial DNA testing to attempt to identify the brutal murderer who took this sweet girls life. The police obtained DNA but did not match it to anyone in their database. I hope that Karina's loved ones will receive the closure that Karen Klass' loved ones now have. I am asking as a long term reader of this community that you consider signing this petition, it devastates me to know that the animal is still out there and more women are at risk. Thank you. https://www.change.org/p/department-of-justice-familial-dna-testing-for-identifying-killer-in-new-york-murder-rape-cases?utm_medium=copylink&utm_source=share_petition&recruiter=646348700
My gosh. I had no idea his wife was murdered. I do not ever remember hearing or reading about this sad story back in 1976. I think about the power of the Internet today and how information is spread. I'm glad the killer was identified.
ReplyDelete@ Ladywholuches,
ReplyDeleteDone. Best wishes. :)
Done. May justice for Karina be swift.
ReplyDeleteMe either. I am shocked! I saw them is vegas shortly before Bobby passed. Long time faves. So glad he finally got his closure.
ReplyDeleteIt's Done.
ReplyDeleteI was very lucky in the fact that my son's murderers were in jail before I was even notified; and they were caught before they disposed of his body as planned. I was also afforded the right to make a victim impact statement and they both went to prison. My heart breaks for mothers who never know who,when or why but mostly for the ones where there child's body is never found. We talk about "closure" but it truly never comes 22 years now and my heart hurts as much as ever.
Try posting this to imgur too. It's worth a shot! Post a photo, your description, and the site. I truly hope this gets solved.
ReplyDelete