A decades-old New Hampshire cold case murder solved through genetic genealogy, officials say
Introduction
A four-decade-old murder case in New Hampshire has finally been solved using genetic genealogy technology, according to officials. The case involves the murder of Laura Kempton, a 23-year-old woman whose body was found in her apartment in Portsmouth on September 28, 1981. Despite years of investigation, the killer remained unidentified. However, thanks to advancements in forensic genetic genealogy, authorities were able to re-analyze DNA samples from the crime scene and publicly identify the suspect.
The Murder of Laura Kempton
Laura Kempton was a 23-year-old student at Portsmouth Beauty School at the time of her death. On the night of September 27, 1981, she went out with a friend and returned to her apartment alone in the early morning hours of September 28. Tragically, her life was cut short when she was brutally attacked and killed. The autopsy revealed that she died from massive trauma to the left side of her head.
The Unsolved Case
The investigation into Kempton’s murder spanned several decades, with authorities tirelessly pursuing leads and suspects. Despite their efforts, they were unable to identify the killer. The evidence collected at the crime scene did provide a male DNA profile, but it did not lead to a breakthrough in the case.
Advancements in Genetic Genealogy
In recent years, advancements in forensic genetic genealogy technology have revolutionized cold case investigations. In 2022, authorities decided to re-analyze the DNA samples from Kempton’s crime scene using this cutting-edge technology. Genetic genealogy involves comparing DNA samples to public databases that contain the genetic information of individuals who have voluntarily submitted their DNA for genealogical purposes. This innovative approach has proven to be a powerful tool in solving previously unsolvable cases.
Identification of the Suspect
After re-analyzing the DNA samples from Kempton’s apartment, investigators found a match to two relatives in a third-party public genetic genealogy database. This breakthrough led them to identify the suspect as Ronney James Lee. At the time of Kempton’s murder, Lee was 21 years old.
The Fate of the Suspect
Tragically, Ronney James Lee passed away in 2005 at the age of 45 due to acute cocaine intoxication. If he were still alive, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella stated that Lee would have been charged with first-degree murder for knowingly causing Kempton’s death in connection with sexual assault. Despite Lee’s passing, the identification of the suspect brings closure to the case and provides answers to Kempton’s family and the community.
Closure for Kempton’s Family
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella expressed his hope that the identification of the suspect and the closure of the case would provide some solace to Laura Kempton’s family and the community. Kempton’s family, in a statement shared by Formella’s office, expressed their deep gratitude to the Portsmouth police for their dedication in solving the case. The family acknowledged the diligence, determination, and extraordinary personal commitment exhibited by the police department over the past decades.
The Life of Laura Kempton
According to the attorney general’s report, Laura Kempton was described by those who knew her as an outgoing free spirit with a big personality and a love for new wave fashion. She was enrolled at Portsmouth Beauty School, studying hairdressing, and had recently started working at a gift store in town. Her promising life was tragically cut short by an act of violence.
Prosecutors’ Findings
Prosecutors involved in the case concluded that Laura Kempton was a victim of an unspeakable act of violence. The evidence pointed to a calculated break-in and a sexually motivated crime that resulted in more violence than the perpetrator originally anticipated. The murder weapon was believed to be a glass bottle, indicating the brutality of the attack.
The Role of the Portsmouth Police Department
The Portsmouth Police Department played a crucial role in pursuing justice for Laura Kempton and other victims of unsolved homicides. Portsmouth Police Chief Mark Newport emphasized during a press briefing the department’s unwavering commitment to solving cold cases. He expressed the department’s dedication to never forgetting the victims and their families. The closure of the Kempton case is a testament to their perseverance and determination.
The Criminal Justice System and Closure
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella announced during the press briefing that the case has been officially closed and marked as solved. While the identification of the suspect brings closure to the case, it may be a bittersweet moment for Laura Kempton’s family. The criminal justice system can provide some closure, but it cannot erase the pain and loss experienced by the family and community.
Conclusion
The decades-long cold case murder of Laura Kempton has finally been solved through the use of genetic genealogy technology. The identification of the suspect, Ronney James Lee, brings closure to the case, providing answers to Kempton’s family and the community. The dedication and perseverance of the Portsmouth Police Department played a significant role in solving this cold case. While the closure of the case marks an important milestone, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims.