Cold Case Solved: Arrest Made in 31-Year-Old Murder
Irving police have arrested a man in a nearly 31-year-old cold case in which a woman was fatally stabbed in her apartment. The case had gone unsolved for decades, but a recent breakthrough in DNA evidence led to the arrest of the suspect.
The Case
Darryl Patrick Goggans, 61, was arrested Tuesday in Irving and faces a capital murder charge in the killing of Megan Johns in 1994, Irving police said in a news release. Johns, 29, was stabbed multiple times and found by police in the 3000 block of W Walnut Hill Lane in 1994.
At the time of the murder, it was believed that Johns knew her attacker, as there was little evidence of forced entry into her apartment. This led investigators to suspect that the killer may have been someone close to Johns, possibly a friend, family member, or neighbor.
The Investigation
A recent review of DNA evidence identified Goggans as the suspect, police said. The DNA evidence was re-examined using new technology and techniques that were not available at the time of the original investigation. This breakthrough in DNA analysis allowed investigators to match the evidence to Goggans, leading to his arrest.
The investigation into Johns’ murder was extensive, with police collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses and suspects over the years. However, it wasn’t until the recent DNA review that they were able to identify Goggans as the suspect.
The Suspect
Goggans, who is now 61, was a neighbor of Johns at the time of the murder, police said. He is being held in custody at the Irving City Jail, where he faces a capital murder charge. If convicted, Goggans could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
The arrest of Goggans brings closure to the family and friends of Megan Johns, who have been waiting for justice for over three decades. The case is a reminder that even the coldest of cases can be solved with persistence, determination, and advances in technology.
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Conclusion
The arrest of Darryl Patrick Goggans in the 31-year-old cold case of Megan Johns’ murder is a significant development in the pursuit of justice. The case highlights the importance of DNA evidence and the impact of advances in technology on solving crimes. As the case moves forward, it will be important to remember the victim, Megan Johns, and the family and friends who have been affected by her tragic murder.
FAQs
Q: Who was arrested in the cold case murder of Megan Johns?
A: Darryl Patrick Goggans, 61, was arrested and faces a capital murder charge in the killing of Megan Johns in 1994.
Q: How was the suspect identified?
A: A recent review of DNA evidence identified Goggans as the suspect.
Q: What was the relationship between the suspect and the victim?
A: At the time of the murder, Goggans was a neighbor of Johns.
Q: What are the possible penalties for the suspect if convicted?
A: If convicted, Goggans could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
