Ventura, California – After 33 years, a family has found closure for their loved one, Danielle Clause, who was tragically found dead in the city. The victim, 42 years old at the time, was discovered near downtown Ventura with multiple blunt force injuries. She was last seen on July 15, 1991, talking to a male in a white pickup truck with pinstripes. The case had gone cold for over 25 years, until officer Tyler Buck re-examined it, leading to a breakthrough in identifying the killer through DNA and forensic evidence.
The Ventura Police Department revealed that Clause had been sexually assaulted and reported missing by her husband the following day. Investigators meticulously collected evidence from the crime scene, including fingerprints, cigarette butts, and rocks. Despite initial challenges in cracking the case, detectives retested the evidence in 2021 and utilized forensic genetic genealogy to identify the perpetrator as Larry Devon Welch, who had passed away in 1999.
Through modern investigative techniques, the team retraced Welch’s connections to the crime scene and his potential involvement. Misty Gillis, a senior forensic genealogist, played a crucial role in building the suspect’s family tree, ultimately leading to the identification of Welch as the killer. The case took another turn when investigators discovered Welch’s living brother and secured a DNA sample, ruling him out as a suspect and confirming Larry Welch’s presence at the crime scene.
Further evidence tying Welch to the crime included his ownership of a white Ford Ranger, his proximity to Clause around the time of her death, and accounts from witnesses in the area. The victim’s sister, Marcie Forte, expressed relief and closure after years of uncertainty, remembering her sister as a resilient soul taken too soon. The successful resolution of the case showcases the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement in seeking justice for victims and their families.
In conclusion, the relentless effort of investigators and advancements in forensic technology have finally brought closure to a decades-old cold case, providing answers and justice for Danielle Clause and her loved ones in Ventura, California.