BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Advanced DNA techniques are being credited for the arrest of a suspect in the 1997 slaying of University of Colorado student Susannah Chase in Boulder, Colo.
Detectives who worked on the case said they hoped improved scientific techniques would eventually bring them a suspect in the decade-old homicide, The Daily Camera newspaper in Boulder reported Monday.
One of the original investigators on the case, detective Chuck Heidel, said he was out to lunch when he received a phone call saying DNA from Chase's body matched a sample in the federal database.
On Sunday police arrested Diego Olmos Alcalde, 38, on first-degree murder, felony murder, second-degree kidnapping and first-degree sexual assault charges in connection with Chase's death, the Daily Camera said.
Boulder County, Colo., District Attorney Mary Lacy told the newspaper solving old cases is becoming more common.
"A DNA hit has the potential to solve a crime now or in 20 years," Lacy said.
