After 50 Years, Suspect Identified in 1971 Murder of Vermont Teacher Rita Curran

After a 50-year wait, justice has been served in the murder of Rita Curran, a 24-year-old Vermont teacher. On Tuesday, Burlington Police Department announced that William DeRoos, a man who lived in Curran’s Burlington apartment building, was identified as the suspect with the help of advances in DNA technology and genetic genealogy.

Acting Chief of the Burlington Police Department, Jon Murad, said that a combination of genetic genealogy, DNA testing and a recent interview with DeRoos’ former wife allowed authorities to identify him as the suspect. The DNA evidence was found on a discarded cigarette butt and Curran’s clothing.

On the night of the July 1971 killing, DeRoos had a fight with his spouse and left their apartment to “cool down”, according to a Burlington police investigation report. He later became a Buddhist monk, but died of a drug overdose in San Francisco in 1986.

Murad said that the random violence of Curran’s murder left a stain on the community and devastated her family. “For 50 years they have waited for justice,” he said.

The Burlington Police Department is continuing to investigate the case and is asking anyone with information to contact them. They are also encouraging people to use the latest advances in DNA technology and genetic genealogy to help solve cold cases.