1978 murder victim’s mom surprised by suspect’s arrest
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – The Latest on arrest of Oregon man in connection with 1978 murder of Alaska teenager (all times local):
3:20 p.m.
The mother of an Alaska teenager who was murdered in 1978 says she never thought she would see the day when someone was arrested for her daughter’s death.
Judy Connolly says she was flabbergasted when she heard from Alaska State Troopers that a 62-year-old Oregon man was arrested Friday in connection with the death of her 16-year-old daughter, Shelley.
Troopers said Tuesday say Gresham, Oregon, police assisted in the arrest of Donald F. McQuade, who is charged with first- and-second-degree murder. Troopers say they are working to bring McQuade to Alaska to face prosecution.
The teenager’s body was found in a ditch along the Seward Highway, about 15 miles south of Anchorage.
Troopers say genetic DNA testing linked McQuade to her death, and he was never a suspect before that match.
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2:30 p.m.
Alaska State Troopers say they’ve arrested a 62-year-old Oregon man in connection with the 1978 death of teenage Anchorage girl.
Troopers say Gresham, Oregon, police assisted in the arrest Friday of Donald F. McQuade in connection with the death of 16-year-old Shelley Connolly.
The teenager’s body was found in a ditch along the Seward Highway, about 15 miles south of Anchorage.
Troopers say genetic DNA testing linked McQuade to her death, and he was never a suspect before that match.
Past media reports say an autopsy determined the girl was sexually assaulted, beaten, dragged by a car and thrown down an embankment. Her fingernails were broken, indicating she might have tried to crawl back up the embankment.
Online Alaska court records don’t list an attorney for McQuade.
AP-WF-09-03-19 2322GMT