James Curtis Clanton, 61, known as Curtis Allen White at the time of the killing, pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Helene Pruszynski, of Castle Rock. Three other counts of murder and a kidnapping charge were dismissed in the plea, according to court documents.
In a landmark case, James Curtis Clanton, 61, has pleaded guilty to the 1980 murder of Helene Pruszynski, marking Colorado’s first conviction through forensic genealogy.
The Crime and Investigation
Helene Pruszynski, a 21-year-old intern at KHOW radio, was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death on January 17, 1980. Her body was found in a field in Douglas County, Colorado. Despite initial efforts, the case went cold for decades.
Breakthrough with Forensic Genealogy
The case was reopened in 1998 when detectives developed a DNA profile of the suspect, but there were no matches in the national database. It wasn’t until 2019 that detectives used forensic genealogy to identify Clanton, who was known as Curtis Allen White at the time of the murder. They worked with Colorado-based United Data Connect and Virginia-based Parabon NanoLabs, using genealogical databases to narrow down suspects through family trees.
Identifying the Killer
Detectives identified potential relatives of the suspect and eventually focused on Clanton and his brother. After ruling out his brother, they matched Clanton’s DNA from a beer mug obtained in Florida with the DNA from the crime scene. Clanton’s DNA matched the sample, leading to his arrest.
Legal Proceedings
Clanton pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on February 21, 2020, and faces up to life in prison. Due to laws from 1980, he is eligible for parole after 20 years. This case is significant as it highlights the power of forensic genealogy in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking conviction demonstrates the profound impact of forensic genealogy on modern criminal investigations. It offers new hope for solving long-standing cold cases and underscores the importance of continued advancements in DNA technology and investigative techniques.
How do you think the use of forensic genealogy will impact the future of criminal investigations and the justice system? Share your thoughts and join the discussion!
Source: Man pleads guilty in 1980 murder for Colorado’s first conviction through genealogy testing
