Cold-Case Breakthrough: DNA and Genealogy Identify 1996 Montana Killer — Suspect Dies by Suicide After Interview

Cold-Case Breakthrough in Montana

Nearly 28 years after 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins was found dead near a Gallatin River fishing access site, investigators say advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy identified the person they believe responsible — 55-year-old Paul Hutchinson. Authorities say Hutchinson died by suicide hours after being interviewed about the cold case.

How the Case Was Solved

On Sept. 21, 1996, Houchins left her home in Belgrade, Montana, and when she failed to return the family reported her missing. Her mother discovered Houchins' truck at a popular fishing access site on the Gallatin River, and later that evening Houchins' body was found face down in shallow water, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said.

Investigators collected DNA evidence at the scene. Four hairs recovered from Houchins' body produced a partial DNA profile. That profile was sent to a laboratory in Virginia where forensic genealogists searched DNA databases and ultimately identified Paul Hutchinson as a possible match.

Renewed Investigation and Interview

After Dan Springer became Gallatin County sheriff in 2021, he enlisted outside help to re-examine the cold case, bringing in private investigator Tom Elfmont, a retired LAPD officer, and Sergeant Court Depweg, a specialist in DNA-based homicide investigation. On July 23, 2024, Elfmont and Depweg interviewed Hutchinson in Dillon, Montana, about 100 miles from the original crime scene.

According to the sheriff’s office, Hutchinson — who lived in Bozeman at the time of the killing — appeared extremely nervous during the nearly two-hour interview. Investigators reported physical signs of distress when he was shown a photo of Houchins. Early the next morning Hutchinson called the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office saying he needed help, then hung up; he was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Findings and Background

Investigators say Houchins and Hutchinson did not know one another and describe the killing as a "crime of opportunity." Authorities believe Hutchinson, then a student at Montana State University, randomly encountered Houchins, sexually assaulted her and suffocated her by holding her head down in shallow water.

Officials noted Hutchinson later earned a degree in fisheries and wildlife biology, worked for the Bureau of Land Management for 22 years, had no prior criminal record, and was married with two adult children.

"This case exemplifies our relentless pursuit of justice. We never gave up on finding the truth for Danni and her family..." — Sheriff Dan Springer

At a news conference, Houchins' younger sister, Stephanie Mollet, said that although the suspect will not face trial, the identification confirmed the family's long-held belief about what happened. "When the time came to face up and account for his violence, he instead chose to end his life," Mollet said.

Wider Context

Officials noted the case is part of a growing number of cold-case convictions and identifications aided by advances in DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy. In some recent cases, suspects have died before an arrest could be made.

Note on Reporting: The findings reported here reflect the conclusions and statements of law enforcement investigators. Some details (including descriptions of the alleged assault) are based on investigators' determinations and family statements.