(Pa) After 34 years, Adams County man charged for rape, murder of 85-year-old woman
“Today, nearly 34 years later, due to advances in genetic genealogy and the hard work by the members of the Pennsylvania State Police and other partners, we’re here to announce an arrest in this investigation,” said Lieutenant Mark A. Magyar, Criminal Investigation Section Commander of Troop H.
In 2018, DNA samples collected from the case were reviewed by Parabon NanoLabs, which was able to connect the genetic information to a collection of surnames, one of which was Speelman.
Following this new information, Pennsylvania State Police requested a DNA sample from Chris Speelman, who complied and was found to be “an absolute match,” said Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett, speaking at a news conference.
Speelman is being held without bail pending arraignment. According to Sinnet, Speelman admitted to the murder and rape of Laughman after his arrest Tuesday, and told police he acted alone.
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2021/07/state-police-announce-arrest-in-33-year-old-cold-case-charge-gettysburg-man-with-rape-murder.html
