BOZEMAN — The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that they have identified the killer of Danielle Houchins, the 15-year-old girl who was raped and murdered at Cameron Bridge almost 28 years ago. Despite now knowing the identity of the killer, the motive behind the heinous crime may never be fully understood.
“After nearly 28 years without answers or justice, we finally have some closure today,” says Stephanie Houchins, Danielle’s sister.
On September 21, 1996, Houchins left her home in Belgrade and drove to the Cameron Bridge Fishing Access site, never to return. Hours later, her body was discovered by family friends, revealing that she had been murdered.
The question of who killed Danielle Houchins remained unanswered for nearly 28 years until recently.
“During the initial investigation, 4 hairs were collected from Danni’s body,” said Sheriff Dan Springer.
In 2019, the sheriff’s office reopened the case, utilizing new technology to tackle the cold case.
The preserved evidence was sent to a forensics lab in California and eventually a match was found in the database of a genealogy company through a court order.
“Preliminary DNA analysis led us to Paul Hutchinson of Dillon, Montana,” said Springer.
In July 2024, investigators interviewed Paul Hutchinson at his home in Dillon, where shortly after displaying nervous behavior, he committed suicide.
Following Hutchinson’s suicide, DNA evidence confirmed his identity as the killer. Stephanie revealed that he had sexually assaulted and murdered her sister.
Stephanie expressed dissatisfaction with the justice system for taking so long to find closure for her sister.
“Montanans, Danielle’s story should anger you and make you consider the importance of protecting and honoring the women you love,” said Stephanie.
The investigation into Danielle Houchins’ death is closed but law enforcement continues to look into Paul Hutchinson’s life and potential connections to other cold cases.
