'Cold' Detroit Double Murder Case Solved
DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit police say a 25-year-old double murder case has finally been solved.
Police announced Wednesday that DNA evidence from the scene has led them to 51-year-old Rodriquez Rayford -- the alleged culprit in a
stabbing that took place in the early morning of April 26, 1987.
Joseph and Winifred Ayres were found dead in their home on Bentler in Detroit after a break in.
"To the Ayres family, I hope that the identification and apprehension of this defendant brings you some comfort," stated Detroit Police Chief Godbee. "The fact that this defendant is currently incarnated for unrelated crimes, clearly shows that DNA testing is and will continue to be an essential tool to aid in identifying and bringing these individuals to justice."
Their granddaughter, Sharon Kwolik, spoke to reporters.
"Not a day has gone by when we haven't thought about what happened and wondered who had killed our loved ones and where he was -- and now we know," Kwolik said. "After many years of not knowing there's now a person with a name and a face who's responsible for this tragedy."
Ayres' son, Lou, thanked local police and the cold case team, saying this brings much-needed closure for the family.
Rayford is currently in prison in an unrelated case.
