Montana Man Identified as Suspect in 1996 Rape and Murder of Teenager
Forensic Breakthrough Leads to Arrest of Paul Hutchinson in Cold Case
According to True Crime News, in a disturbing turn of events a Montana man has been identified as the suspect in the 1996 rape and murder of 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins. On September 21, 1996 Houchins went missing after leaving her home prompting her family to report her disappearance to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. Later that evening her mother found Houchins’ truck abandoned at the Cameron Bridge Fishing Access on the Gallatin River. Unfortunately Houchins’ body was discovered face down in the river. Despite collecting DNA evidence including four hairs from the victim, no leads emerged and the case went cold for years.
A recent breakthrough came with advances in forensic technology. Last month the victim’s DNA profile was sent to Parabon NanoLabs in Virginia where genealogists managed to identify 57-year-old Paul Hutchinson from Dillon, Montana as the primary suspect. On July 23 deputies interviewed Hutchinson who displayed significant nervousness and discomfort when shown evidence related to Houchins. His excessive sweating and visible distress during the questioning raised red flags for investigators making them more suspicious of his involvement in the crime.
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25 Years Later, 1996 Montana Murder Mystery Solved: 57-Year-Old Suspect Identified, Takes Own Life Before Arrest! (PHOTO: True Crime News)
Suspect in 1996 Cold Case Found Dead from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
Tragically the day after the interview Hutchinson was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the side of the road. Investigators believe Hutchinson who did not know Houchins randomly encountered her at the river where he is accused of raping and suffocating her. Hutchinson had been employed by the Montana Bureau of Land Management and had no known criminal history. Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer highlighted the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice emphasizing their commitment to solving the case and providing much-needed closure for Houchins’ family.
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