EPISODE · Jul 26, 2025 · 31 MIN
The 28-Year Mystery of Danielle Houchins
from Criminal · host Vmedia
On September 21, 1996, 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins went for a walk in Belgrade, Montana—and never came home. Her body was found hours later in a shallow canal, showing signs of sexual assault and drowning. Although DNA was collected at the crime scene, investigators hit a dead end, and the case went cold for nearly three decades—becoming one of Montana’s most haunting unsolved crimes.In this episode, you'll learn how the relentless efforts of the victim’s family and the power of modern forensic genealogy finally brought justice. The perpetrator, Paul Hutchinson—a man with no prior criminal record who lived near the scene—was identified in 2019. He took his own life just hours after his 2024 interrogation. Discover how the truth was uncovered, the role of DNA evidence, and the lasting impact on both the victim and the perpetrator’s legacies.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/criminal--6152643/support.
What this episode covers
On September 21, 1996, 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins went for a walk in Belgrade, Montana—and never came home. Her body was found hours later in a shallow canal, showing signs of sexual assault and drowning. Although DNA was collected at the crime scene, investigators hit a dead end, and the case went cold for nearly three decades—becoming one of Montana’s most haunting unsolved crimes.In this episode, you'll learn how the relentless efforts of the victim’s family and the power of modern forensic genealogy finally brought justice. The perpetrator, Paul Hutchinson—a man with no prior criminal record who lived near the scene—was identified in 2019. He took his own life just hours after his 2024 interrogation. Discover how the truth was uncovered, the role of DNA evidence, and the lasting impact on both the victim and the perpetrator’s legacies.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/criminal--6152643/support.
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The 28-Year Mystery of Danielle Houchins
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