Florida Woman’s Cold Case Solved After DNA Evidence 24 Years Later
The Sanford Police Department might have crack a cold case after a Florida woman’s brutal killing that happened 24 years ago may. Sherry Holtz, 50, was found dead on December 4, 1999, just one day after she was last seen at a bar in Sanford, Florida. A person walking in the woods who was collecting cans discovered her body lying on a concrete slab. Police say it was a brutal homicide with her neck being cut, signs of strangulation and sexual battery.
Florida Woman’s Cold Case Solved After DNA Evidence:
According to ABCActionNews, right next to her body police found a lock blade knife with blood and other DNA on it. However, there wasn’t enough sample to get it tested back in 2000. The Sanford Police Department preserved the knife and reopened the cold case in May 2023. Authorities were able to confirm the blood on the knife was Holtz’ DNA and her longtime boyfriend Gary Durrance. Police were finally able to arrest Durrance, and charge him with second-degree homicide.
Holtz and Durrance both lived in a house with three other people. When investigators interviewed the roomates after her body was found they said the couple had an argument on December 2, 1999, and Durrance kicked Holtz out of the house. But Durrance denied being with Holtz on the night of the homicide. Holtz body was found only half a mile away from where the bar was located the night she died. This is great news for the police department and family that has had to suffer for 24 long years.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said, “Durrance will now face justice for the horrible and despicable things that he did. I hope his arrest brings a little comfort to those that loved Sherry and have waited 24 years for this moment.” He is now sitting at the Seminole County’s John E. Polk Correctional Facility and has court September 10.