A 73-year-old man was recently identified and apprehended by police on suspicion of sexually assaulting and killing his longstanding girlfriend nearly 25 years ago, thanks to advancements in DNA testing.
A pedestrian discovered a body in a wooded area behind an AAMCO transmission business on December 4, 1999, according to Sanford Police Public Information Officer Bianca Gillet. The AAMCO personnel was notified by the individual, who subsequently contacted law enforcement.
Sherry Holtz, a 50-year-old woman, was discovered on a concrete slab with her throat severed and a significant portion of her garments removed by the police who responded to the scene. In addition to a neck laceration, investigators reportedly discovered evidence of strangulation, sexual assault, and blunt force trauma. Gillet referred to Holtz’s murder as a “brutal homicide.”
At the time, the police discovered a knife that was soiled with blood and administered a sexual assault kit. In 2000, the DNA from the weapon and kit was submitted for testing. Nevertheless, the investigators were unable to identify any leads because the blood sample was too minuscule.
Holtz was purportedly residing with her long-term partner, Gary Durrance, and three additional companions. Police discovered that Holtz was last seen on the evening of December 3, 1999, through interviews. The day before, the roommates reported that Holtz and her fiancé had a disagreement, and Durrance allegedly evicted her.
Throughout the night, the police inquired about Durrance’s whereabouts; however, Gillet asserted that their testimonies were incomplete.
In May 2023, the authorities submitted the evidence for examination once more. Police identified Durrance as the primary suspect after receiving the results in June of this year. According to Gillet, two additional individuals of relevance were excluded.
The public information officer stated that the police had previously responded to the residence of Durrance and Holtz for domestic violence calls.
Durrance was apprehended by the police in Volusia County on July 18, with the assistance of local deputies. He is currently being held in the Seminole County Jail on an allegation of second-degree murder without bond.