Home / Crime and Justice / Cold Case Cracked: 79-Year-Old Arrested in 1981 Murder
Cold Case Cracked: 79-Year-Old Arrested in 1981 Murder
17 Jul
Summary
- A 79-year-old man was arrested for a 1981 homicide.
- DNA evidence linked the suspect to the victim's nightgown.
- The suspect allegedly pressured the victim for insurance fraud.
In a significant breakthrough for a decades-old investigation, authorities have arrested a 79-year-old man in connection with a homicide from February 13, 1981. Larry Dean Brown was apprehended and extradited from Colorado to face a murder charge related to the death of Beverly Bruneau, aged 35, in Grapevine, Texas. Bruneau was found deceased in her home, having suffered strangulation and signs of a struggle.
The case remained dormant for many years until evidence re-examination in 2010 yielded an unknown male DNA profile. Detectives later collaborated with Colorado authorities to obtain DNA from Brown, which analysis indicated could not exclude him as the source of blood found on Bruneau's nightgown. Investigators suspect Brown coerced Bruneau into signing fraudulent insurance documents for a fire-damaged property she co-owned with his wife.
Authorities emphasize that additional forensic testing is pending, with confirmatory DNA analysis awaited. Brown's attorney has filed a motion to reduce his $2 million bond. As of the latest reports, he was denied bail.
