Dustin McCowan Convicted Of Killing Ex-Girlfriend Amanda Bach
VALPARAISO, Ind. (CBS) -- 19-year-old Amanda Bach was shot and killed two years ago. Now a jury convicted her ex-boyfriend Dustin McCowan of murder.
CBS 2's Marissa Bailey talked to Bach's family about what it took to catch the killer.
Sometimes hugs are the only way to say thank you and today Amanda Bach's parents said "thank you" to those who, after months of agony, helped convict their daughter's killer.
"Amanda needed some justice and this really isn't justice for her but it's a small little piece of satisfaction I guess," said Bill Bach, Amanda's father.
20-year-old Dustin McCowan was found guilty Tuesday of murdering Bach in 2011.
Investigators say after a short relationship, McCowan became jealous. He shot Bach once in the throat, then dumped her body on traintracks just 300 yards from his house.
There was no DNA and police never recovered the gun, but instead relied on cell phone pings and text messages as evidence.
"This was a largely circumstantial case which I like to analyze it as each piece of evidence is a small arrow that pointed at the guilt of Dustin McCowan," said Matt Frost, Porter County Chief Prosecutor.
And with the trial now behind them, Amanda's family and police say goodbye. A bittersweet ending to a story that should never have happened.
Dustin McCowan's father is a Crown Point police officer. Investigators say they are looking into whether or not he helped his son cover up Amanda's murder. So far, charges have not been filed.
Dustin McCowan will be sentenced in March.
