SANFORD, Fla. (TCN) — Thanks to advancements in DNA testing, police recently identified and arrested a 73-year-old man on suspicion of sexually assaulting and killing his longtime girlfriend nearly 25 years ago.
According to Sanford Police Public Information Officer Bianca Gillet, on Dec. 4, 1999, a pedestrian found a body in a wooded area behind an AAMCO transmission shop. The individual alerted AAMCO staff, who then contacted law enforcement.
Police responded to the scene and found 50-year-old Sherry Holtz on a concrete slab with her throat cut and much of her clothing pulled off. In addition to a laceration to the neck, investigators reportedly found evidence of blunt force trauma, strangulation, and sexual battery. Gillet called Holtz’s death a “brutal homicide.”
Police found a knife with blood and performed a sexual assault kit at the time. The DNA from the weapon and kit were submitted for testing in 2000. However, the blood sample was too small, and investigators were unable to identify any leads.
Holtz reportedly lived with her longtime boyfriend, Gary Durrance, and three other roommates. Through interviews, police learned Holtz was last seen on the evening of Dec. 3, 1999. The roommates said Holtz and her boyfriend argued the day before and Durrance allegedly kicked her out.
Police asked about Durrance’s whereabouts throughout the night, but Gillet said there were gaps in their statements.
Authorities resubmitted evidence for testing in May 2023. In June of this year, police received the results and identified Durrance as the primary suspect. Two other people of interest were ruled out, according to Gillet.
The public information officer mentioned that police had responded to Durrance and Holtz’s home previously for domestic violence calls.
Police arrested Durrance on July 18 in Volusia County with the help of local deputies. He remains held in the Seminole County Jail on a charge of second-degree murder without bond.
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