DNA Links Former Garland Resident To 1980 Murder
GEORGETOWN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - Investigators say DNA evidence in a 1980 Central Texas killing led them to a former Garland resident.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday announced the arrest of 53-year-old Steven Alan Thomas on a capital murder charge.
The case involves the November 1980 beating, sexual assault and strangling of 73-year-old Mildred McKinney. She was discovered dead in her southwest Williamson County home.
In the 1980s, well known serial killer Henry Lee Lucas confessed to killing McKinney, but DNA evidence later proved he was not the killer.
Thomas was arrested Monday in Austin, where he had been living. Investigators say Thomas has denied knowing the victim or assaulting her.
Sgt. John Foster says DNA from Thomas was obtained at a previous time. Foster declined to provide further details.
The investigation into the murder of Mildred McKinney is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case or Steven Thomas is asked to contact the Williamson County Sheriff's Office at (512) 943-1300.
Bond has been set at $1.5 million for Thomas. Williamson County jail records Tuesday did not list an attorney for him.
(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
