Categories: U.S.

Pennsylvania cold case murder from 2012 solved using cigarette butt and Styrofoam cup

close Video

Pennsylvania police leader rails against pro-defund group endorsing longtime Dem Sen. Bob Casey

Police leaders in Pennsylvania are railing against a pro-defund the police group endorsing longtime Democratic Sen. Bob Casey as he gears up for a reelection campaign that is anticipated to be a nail-biter.

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge. Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. Having trouble? Click here.

A New Jersey man has been arrested after Pennsylvania investigators allegedly linked him to a 2012 fatal shooting using recent advancements in DNA forensics, as well as a Styrofoam cup found at the scene and a cigarette butt found at his mom’s residence.

The Berks County, Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of 39-year-old Vallis L. Slaughter, who was charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of 34-year-old Julio Torres, outside the West Reading Diner in March 2012.

Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said during a press conference on Monday that an initial investigation into Torres’ death led to the arrest and conviction of Jomain Case, who was 22 at the time.

The investigation found Torres, Case and a third individual were involved in an argument before the victim was ultimately killed.

MISSOURI DETECTIVES CRACK COLD CASE ONCE LINKED TO SERIAL KILLER BTK

Vallis Slaughter faces a murder charge after DNA found on a piece of Styrofoam cup at a murder scene in 2012 matched to DNA on a cigarette butt picked up at his residence in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Berks County DA’s Office)

Case was arrested and charged for being involved in the murder after investigators matched his DNA to a piece of Styrofoam cup that was found at the crime scene.

An analysis later conducted on the piece of Styrofoam did not match with samples in the database.

Investigators learned that Slaughter, who was living in New York City at the time, was visiting Reading, Pennsylvania on the night of the murder.

OREGON MAN FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER AFTER DNA LINKS HIM TO 1980 COLD CASE

Slaughter was connected to the crime through a piece of a Styrofoam cup and a cigarette butt.  (Berks County DA’s Office)

The case eventually went cold as leads were exhausted, and new leads did not develop.

About 12 years after the crime, investigators reopened the case and discovered a new piece of evidence in the form of a cell phone picture that showed Slaughter. The photo was snapped by a friend of the suspect’s on the night of the murder.

Using facial recognition software, investigators identified Slaughter as the alleged shooter responsible for Torres’ death.

MARYLAND POLICE ID SECOND SUSPECT IN DECADES-OLD COLD CASE KILLING OF TEEN GIRL

Julio Torres, left, was murdered in March 2012, which led to the arrest and conviction of Jomain Case, pictured right. (Berks County DA’s Office)

Last December, Slaughter was living in Jersey City, New Jersey with his mother when investigators obtained a discarded cigarette. Using the cigarette butt, investigators were able to match the DNA from the spent filter with the DNA found on the bitten piece of Styrofoam cup that was discovered at the crime scene in 2012.

He was arrested last Wednesday at his mother’s house by the Jersey City Police Department and is being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending extradition to Berks County.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Slaughter now faces charges of first- and third-degree murder, criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault and possessing instruments of crime.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.

Share

Recent Posts

Man in India regains consciousness before his cremation on funeral pyre: reports

close Video Dozens of Christian graves toppled and vandalized in historic Jerusalem cemetery Israel Police…

1 hour ago

Trump administration takes shape: President-elect completes top 15 Cabinet picks

President-elect Trump has rounded out his picks for the top 15 positions within his Cabinet,…

2 hours ago

Rabbi feared kidnapped, killed by terrorists after going missing, prompting investigation

close Video Israeli Prime MInister Netanyahu pushes back on ICC charges Fox News senior foreign…

3 hours ago

Civil Air Patrol plane crash during Colorado training exercise leaves 2 dead, 1 injured

close Video Civil Air Patrol plane crash in Colorado leaves 2 dead, 1 injured The…

4 hours ago

Justin Trudeau dances at Taylor Swift concert amid destructive riot in Montreal, sparking outrage

close Video Montreal demonstrators clash with police, set off smoke bombs in destructive protest A…

6 hours ago

Trump taps Texan Brooke Rollins as agriculture secretary

President-elect Trump tapped Brooke Rollins as his agriculture secretary. In a statement on Saturday, Trump…

6 hours ago