PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE: After more than 40 years, law enforcement officials in New Hampshire have finally solved the murder of a young woman, Laura Kempton, through DNA analysis and forensic genealogy technology. The breakthrough in the case is a significant development, but it also came with a heartbreaking revelation: the perpetrator responsible for Kempton's murder has been identified as a man who died from an overdose in 2005, per ABC News.
The state attorney general, John Formella, announced the findings at a news conference in Portsmouth, where the murder took place in September 1981. Even though investigators' efforts came to fruition, the outcome remains bittersweet as the perpetrator was never brought to justice during his lifetime.
Who was Laura Kempton?
Kempton, from Portsmouth, New Hamsphire, was studying hairdressing at Portsmouth Beauty School and had recently begun working at a local gift store in town at the time of her murder in 1981. According to the attorney general's report, those who knew her described her as an outgoing free spirit with a vibrant personality. She had a love for new wave fashion, reflecting her unique and expressive style. Unfortunately, her promising journey was cut short.
What happened to Laura Kempton?
On the morning of September 28, 1981, the lifeless body of 23-year-old Kempton was found in her apartment in Portsmouth. She had returned home alone after spending the night out with a friend. An autopsy later revealed that she had succumbed to massive trauma on the left side of her head. Despite an extensive investigation that involved pursuing numerous leads and suspects, authorities were unable to identify the suspected killer at the time. However, thanks to advances in DNA analysis and forensic genealogy technology, the case has now been solved, shedding light on the long-standing mystery surrounding Kempton's tragic death.
Who killed Laura Kempton?
In 2022, a significant breakthrough occurred when authorities decided to re-analyze DNA samples from the crime scene, employing forensic genetic genealogy technology. On Thursday, July 20, they publicly revealed the suspect, Ronney James Lee, finally providing closure to the case that had haunted the community for years. However, it turned out that Lee had died in 2005.
The evidence "establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that Ronney James Lee committed first-degree murder," the police report stated. Prosecutors said the evidence pointed to a "calculated" break-in and "sexually motivated crime that resulted in more violence than the perpetrator originally anticipated." The murder weapon was believed to be a glass bottle.
Lee's background revealed a troubled history. He served in the army until 1981 before getting involved in criminal activities. In 1987, he was convicted of charges related to a burglary that involved a sexual assault in Keene, New Hampshire. As a result of this conviction, he was jailed in the state prison from December 1987 to July 1990.
How did Ronney James Lee die?
Lee was 21 at the time of Kempton's tragic death. He died at the age of 45 due to acute cocaine intoxication on February 9, 2005. Although he is no longer alive to face justice, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella stated that, had Lee been alive, he would have been charged with first-degree murder for knowingly causing Kempton's death in connection with sexual assault. "Laura was a victim of an unspeakable act of violence," Portsmouth Police Chief Mark Newport said during a press briefing on Thursday, adding, "The members of the Portsmouth Police Department have never forgotten about Laura and any of the other victims of our unsolved homicides."
"It is my hope that this conclusion and announcement will be the long-awaited first step in providing what closure the criminal justice system can provide for Laura Kempton's family and community," Formella said, adding, "The Portsmouth Police Department should be commended for its commitment and perseverance in seeking justice for Ms. Kempton and her family."
Formella declared that the long-standing case of Kempton's death has been officially closed and marked as solved. He acknowledged that the news may evoke mixed emotions from Kempton's family. In response to the development, Kempton's family shared a statement expressing their "deep gratitude" to the Portsmouth police for their relentless efforts in solving the case. "Their diligence and determination, along with extraordinary personal commitment over the past decades, have led to this moment for Laura," the family's statement said.
