(LibertyInsider.org) – Authorities in Michigan have finally detained a suspect in relation to a cold case dating back more than 40 years. Douglas Laming, 70, was arrested in St. Clair County and charged with felony murder in the death of Karen Umphrey on December 17.
Advanced forensic techniques may have provided the breakthrough needed to identify a person of interest in the long-dormant investigation. DNA evidence recently linked Laming to the gruesome killing of the young woman in 1982. These new details bring hope of long-awaited justice for the victim’s family, who have been waiting for closure for decades.
Karen Umphrey first went missing from Port Huron, Michigan, on November 2, 1980. Friends claimed they saw her leaving a party in the area that same day, but she didn’t return home. According to an article published in the Times Herald, a pair of hunters operating within the State Game Area of Beards Hills, Michigan, found her body in the area on November 4.
The details of how Umphrey ended up in this remote location or who killed her remained a mystery for decades. Despite extensive investigations, authorities were unable to determine who was responsible for her death or how she came to be there — until now.
According to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, authorities worked closely with Michigan State Police and Othram, a company specializing in forensic genetic genealogy, in the resolution of this case. Experts were able to successfully match DNA collected from Umphrey’s clothing to Laming. After combining this new evidence with existing facts, they concluded that he was likely responsible for her death.
Laming remains in custody at St. Clair County Detention and Intervention Center. The courts have scheduled a probable cause hearing for December 26, 2023. However, given the evidence and the fact that he stands accused of felony murder, he is unlikely to be released prior to his trial date. Still, Laming remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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