Decades-old New Hampshire Cold Case Murder Solved through Genetic Genealogy

Genetic Genealogy Technology Helps Identify Suspect in 1981 Murder of Laura Kempton

New Hampshire officials made a groundbreaking announcement on Thursday, revealing the resolution of a four-decade-old cold case murder with the aid of genetic genealogy technology. Laura Kempton, a 23-year-old student at Portsmouth Beauty School, was tragically found dead in her apartment in Portsmouth on September 28, 1981, with evidence indicating she died from severe head trauma.

Despite relentless efforts by law enforcement, the identity of the suspect eluded investigators for over 40 years, until the recent breakthrough in 2022. Thanks to advancements in forensic genetic genealogy, authorities successfully re-analyzed DNA samples collected from the crime scene, leading them to identify the perpetrator as Ronney James Lee.

Lee, who was 21 at the time of Kempton's death, passed away in 2005 due to acute cocaine intoxication at the age of 45. If he were alive today, he would have been charged with first-degree murder for causing Kempton's death in connection with sexual assault, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella.

During a press briefing, Formella commended the perseverance and dedication of the Portsmouth Police Department in seeking justice for Kempton's family. The case is now officially closed and marked as solved, bringing a measure of closure to the victim's family and community.

Kempton, remembered as an outgoing free spirit with a passion for new wave fashion, had just begun her career at a gift store in town and was studying hairdressing at Portsmouth Beauty School at the time of her untimely death.

The breakthrough in the case came after investigators turned to forensic genetic genealogy using whole genome sequencing, a cutting-edge technique for suspect identification in cold cases. In May 2022, Lee's DNA profile matched to two relatives in a third-party public genetic genealogy database, leading investigators to focus on him. Subsequent analysis of DNA samples from Kempton's apartment further solidified the connection.

The evidence revealed a disturbing sequence of events, indicating a "calculated" break-in and a sexually motivated crime that escalated into fatal violence, with a glass bottle believed to be the murder weapon.

Portsmouth Police Chief Mark Newport expressed the department's unwavering commitment to solving cold cases like Kempton's and acknowledged the profound impact such crimes have on victims and their loved ones.

Lee, who served in the U.S. Army until 1981, had a prior conviction for charges stemming from a burglary and sexual assault in Keene, New Hampshire, resulting in his incarceration from December 1987 to July 1990.

Laura Kempton's family issued a statement expressing their "deep gratitude" to the Portsmouth police for their relentless efforts in solving the case and bringing long-overdue closure to their beloved daughter's tragic story.

As genetic genealogy continues to revolutionize criminal investigations, this successful resolution stands as a testament to the unwavering determination of law enforcement in seeking justice, no matter how much time has passed.