A 78-year-old man incarcerated nearly 2,000 miles away has been charged with the 1980 sexual assault and murder of a 25-year-old Texas nursing student, Austin police said in a press release Friday. Thanks to DNA technology, police say Deck Brewer Jr. — currently serving time in Massachusetts for an unrelated crime — allegedly kidnapped and killed Susan Leigh Wolfe a block from her home around 10 p.m. on Jan. 9, 1980, while walking to a friend’s house. Wolfe had just enrolled at the University of Texas Austin School of Nursing that day and was just four days from her 26th birthday when she was murdered.
Witnesses to the kidnapping said they saw a car stop and the suspect grabbed Wolfe off the sidewalk in a “bear hug” and forced her inside after throwing a coat over her head. Investigators found her dead from a gunshot wound in an alley the next morning with evidence of strangulation and sexual assault. The witness also thought he saw another person in the car, which could have been a second suspect.
In the first year after Wolfe’s murder, investigators with the Austin Police Department followed up on dozens of leads and at one point had as many as 40 persons of interest, and interviewed at least six suspects. In April of last year, detectives with the department’s Cold Case Unit submitted crime scene DNA evidence to the Texas DPS Crime Laboratory, and last February, the results eliminated the six known suspects. The evidence was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national DNA database of convicted offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons.
In March, Brewer was identified as a possible match. Then last month, after a DNA search warrant, Brewer came back as a match. Brewer admitted to investigators that he had been in Austin around the time of the murder, but wouldn’t say anything more without a lawyer. The APD said the chance Brewer’s DNA was incorrectly matched is one in 550.5 quintillion.
“The case is still active, and investigators want to identify the person the witness said they saw in the passenger seat when Wolfe was abducted,” said a spokesperson for the Austin Police Department.
The Cold Case
The case of Susan Leigh Wolfe’s kidnapping and murder had been unsolved for over four decades, haunting the Austin community and leaving her family desperate for answers. Wolfe, a bright and ambitious young woman, had just embarked on her journey to become a nurse when her life was tragically cut short by a heinous act of violence. The details of her abduction and subsequent murder shocked the city and left many wondering who could have committed such a gruesome crime.
For years, investigators worked tirelessly to solve the case, following up on leads, interviewing suspects, and analyzing evidence in the hopes of bringing justice to Wolfe and her loved ones. The passage of time did not dim the determination of those dedicated to finding the truth and holding the perpetrator accountable for their actions. The breakthrough in the case came when advancements in DNA technology allowed for a match to be made, linking Deck Brewer Jr. to the crime scene.
The arrest of Brewer in connection with Wolfe’s murder serves as a reminder that justice may be delayed, but it is never denied. The closure brought to her family and the community at large is a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement agencies and the power of forensic science in solving even the coldest of cases. As the legal proceedings unfold and more details come to light, the hope is that those affected by this tragedy can finally find some semblance of peace and closure.
The Impact of DNA Technology
The use of DNA technology in criminal investigations has revolutionized the way cases are solved and perpetrators are brought to justice. In the case of Susan Leigh Wolfe, the breakthrough came when crime scene DNA evidence was submitted to the Texas DPS Crime Laboratory, leading to a match in the national DNA database. This match ultimately led to the identification and arrest of Deck Brewer Jr., a suspect who had evaded capture for over four decades.
The advancements in DNA technology have allowed law enforcement agencies to revisit cold cases, reexamine evidence, and identify suspects who may have gone undetected using traditional investigative methods. The ability to link individuals to crime scenes through DNA evidence has proven to be a powerful tool in solving crimes and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The case of Susan Leigh Wolfe is a prime example of how science can be used to bring closure to victims and their families, even decades after the crime was committed.
The impact of DNA technology extends beyond individual cases, affecting the way law enforcement agencies approach investigations, the way cases are prosecuted in court, and the way justice is served. The ability to conclusively link suspects to crime scenes through DNA evidence has led to countless convictions and exonerations, changing the course of criminal justice in profound ways. As technology continues to evolve and improve, the potential for solving cold cases and bringing closure to victims becomes even greater, offering hope to those who have long awaited answers.
The Road to Justice
The arrest of Deck Brewer Jr. in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Susan Leigh Wolfe marks a significant milestone in the long and arduous journey to bring her killer to justice. For over four decades, her family and the community have grappled with the unanswered questions surrounding her death, wondering if her killer would ever be caught and held accountable for their actions. The breakthrough in the case, made possible by advancements in DNA technology, offers a glimmer of hope and a sense of closure to those who have waited for justice to be served.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus will be on ensuring that the evidence against Brewer is solid, the case is prosecuted effectively, and justice is ultimately served for Susan Leigh Wolfe and her loved ones. The road to justice may be long and challenging, but the determination of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and advocates for victims’ rights will ensure that Wolfe’s memory is honored and her killer is held accountable for their heinous crime.
The arrest of Deck Brewer Jr. serves as a reminder that no crime goes unpunished, no matter how much time has passed. The dedication of those committed to solving cold cases, the perseverance of investigators and forensic experts, and the power of DNA technology all played a crucial role in bringing closure to the case of Susan Leigh Wolfe. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that justice will be served, and Wolfe’s memory will be honored through the pursuit of truth and accountability.
In conclusion, the arrest of Deck Brewer Jr. in connection with the 44-year-old kidnapping and murder of Susan Leigh Wolfe is a testament to the power of perseverance, the impact of DNA technology, and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to victims and their families. The road to justice may be long and challenging, but the resolve of those dedicated to solving cold cases and holding perpetrators accountable remains steadfast. As the legal proceedings continue, the hope is that Wolfe’s memory will be honored, her killer will be brought to justice, and her family can finally find peace and closure after decades of uncertainty and pain.