Familial DNA has been used to solve the 1976 killing of Karen Klaas, the ex-wife of singer/songwriter Bill Medley of “The Righteous Brothers” fame, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced Friday.
The 32-year-old Klaas, who had remarried, dropped off her 4-year-old child by her new husband at day care on Jan. 30, 1976, and went to her Hermosa Beach home, according to the sheriff’s department.
Neighbors — concerned when they could not contact her — called police, and she was found dead in the home. She had been strangled, beaten and raped, Brandenburg said. She died several days later.
A man was seen leaving her home around the time of the crime, but her killer was not found. Her husband was ruled out as a suspect, sheriff’s officials said.
More details about the solving of the case will be revealed at a news conference Monday at the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles. Sheriff Jim McDonnell and District Attorney Jackie Lacey are expected to attend, along with sheriff’s and police investigators and members of Klaas’ family.
–City News Service