Paul Hutchinson dies in fatal Montana suicide following identification as Danielle Houchins’ killer
Fatal Montana suicide death of Paul Hutchinson – Obituary
Nearly thirty years after 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins was discovered deceased near a fishing access site, Paul Hutchinson, the married father of two identified as her suspected murderer, took his own life just hours after being interviewed by investigators, according to authorities.
Through advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy, officials have confirmed 55-year-old Hutchinson as the perpetrator in Houchins’ 1996 death.
“We never lost hope in pursuing justice for Danni and her family, utilizing every available resource to close this tragic case,” remarked Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer.
“Our dedication to securing justice for victims remains steadfast, and we will continue to deploy every tool at our disposal to resolve such cases, no matter how long it takes.”
Houchins had left her Belgrade, Montana, home around 11 a.m. on September 21, 1996, and was reported missing later that day. Her mother discovered Houchins’ vehicle at the Cameron Bridge Fishing Access on the Gallatin River. That evening, her body was found lying face down in the shallow water.
Despite the collection of DNA evidence and interviews with several suspects over the years, the case eventually went cold. In 2021, Sheriff Springer enlisted the help of private investigator Tom Elfmont, a retired LAPD officer, to advance the investigation.
Hair samples from Houchins’ body were sent to laboratories in California and Virginia, where Hutchinson was ultimately identified as the suspect. On July 23, Elfmont and Sgt. Court Depweg of the Newport Beach Police Department, who specializes in DNA-based homicide investigations, interviewed Hutchinson. During the nearly two-hour session, Hutchinson displayed noticeable anxiety and discomfort when presented with a photo of Houchins.
“Investigators observed him sweating excessively, scratching his face, and chewing on his hand,” noted the sheriff’s office. “His behavior was erratic upon his release.”
The following morning, Hutchinson contacted the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance before abruptly ending the call. Deputies later discovered him with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the roadside.
“When it came time for him to confront his actions, he chose to end his own life,” said Stephanie Mollet, Houchins’ younger sister, at a press conference. “He was aware of his guilt and could not face the consequences or the pain he inflicted on both our family and his own.”
Prior to the murder, Hutchinson and Houchins had no prior connection. Investigators described the crime as one of opportunity, suggesting that Hutchinson and Houchins likely encountered each other by chance at the river, where he then assaulted and suffocated her in the shallow water.
At the time of the incident, Hutchinson was a new student at Montana State University, where he later earned a degree in fisheries and wildlife biology. He spent 22 years working for the state Bureau of Land Management. Authorities noted that Hutchinson had no prior criminal or traffic violations.
Fatal Montana suicide death of Paul Hutchinson – Obituary Nearly thirty years after 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins was discovered deceased near a fishing access site, Paul Hutchinson, the married father of two identified as her suspected murderer, took his own life just hours after being interviewed by investigators, according to authorities. Through advanced DNA testing…
Fatal Montana suicide death of Paul Hutchinson – Obituary Nearly thirty years after 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins was discovered deceased near a fishing access site, Paul Hutchinson, the married father of two identified as her suspected murderer, took his own life just hours after being interviewed by investigators, according to authorities. Through advanced DNA testing…