Page 2 - William Deroos News Today

After more than 50 years, a cold case murder in Vermont has been solved due to DNA technology and genealogy. 

DNA pulled from the butt of a cigarette has helped authorities solve the murder of Rita Curran, a Vermont teacher found dead in her apartment back in 1971.

Officials say a discarded cigarette found near the body of a 24-year-old Vermont school teacher nearly 52 years ago helped lead investigators to an upstairs neighbor who they say strangled her in her apartment.

Officials say a discarded cigarette found near the body of a 24-year-old Vermont school teacher nearly 52 years ago helped lead investigators to an upstairs neighbor who they say strangled

The suspect, identified as William DeRoos, who was 31 at the time, had left his apartment that night for “a cool down walk.”

Officials say DNA evidence led them to killer of Rita Curran, in case that baffled investigators and was formerly linked to Ted Bundy

Police in Vermont believe they’ve solved the decades-old murder of a teacher thanks to DNA found on a cigarette left at the crime scene.

Rita Curran was violently killed in 1971. After 52 years, the case has finally been solved – with the help of DNA evidence found on a cigarette butt.

Even though no charges will be filed, extensive genetic research led the local state's attorney to confirm that the suspect committed the crime over 50 years ago.

By Mike Donoghue, Standard Correspondent Mary Curran Campbell, Rita Curran's sister, talks with former U.S. Senator and former Chittenden County State& ...