A Messy Montana Murder Mystery: The Danni Houchins Cold Case

On September 21, 1996, 15-year-old Danielle 'Danni' Houchins disappeared from a fishing access site in Montana. This episode details the initial investigation's failures, which initially ruled her death 'undetermined' despite evidence of violence. We explore the decades-long fight for justice by Danni's family and dive into the modern forensic miracle: how advanced DNA technology and genetic genealogy finally identified her killer nearly 28 years later. It's a shocking story of how a seemingly respectable, married father and biologist, Paul Hutchinson, committed a brutal crime of opportunity and walked free for half his life.

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Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for listeners, and they are not functioning as licensed therapists providing services on the show. Any information shared based on general client experiences is coincidental and not meant to identify current or past clients. If you or someone you love is having a mental health crisis, please contact 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.