Belgrade, Montana – The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has announced the resolution of a nearly three-decade-old cold case involving the tragic murder of 15-year-old Danielle “Danni” Houchins. On September 21, 1996, Houchins was found murdered at the Cameron Bridge Fishing Access on the Gallatin River, a discovery that shook the small community of Belgrade.
On the day of her death, Houchins had left her home around 11 AM but never returned, prompting her family to report her missing. Her mother found her truck at the fishing access, and later that night, Houchins’ lifeless body was discovered face down in shallow water. The case remained unsolved for 28 years despite numerous suspects being interviewed.
In a significant breakthrough last month, DNA evidence preserved from the crime scene was matched to Paul Hutchinson, a 55-year-old man from Dillon, Montana. Hutchinson, who had no prior criminal record, was identified as the suspect after a partial DNA profile from hairs collected at the scene was analyzed using modern technology. Hutchinson, a Montana State University graduate who later worked for the Montana Bureau of Land Management, had no known connection to Houchins.
According to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer, the case was a crime of opportunity. Investigators believe Hutchinson randomly encountered Houchins at the river, where he tragically raped and suffocated her. Despite the extensive efforts over the years, Hutchinson was not linked to the case until the recent DNA match.
Sheriff Springer emphasized the department’s commitment to justice, stating, "This case exemplifies our relentless pursuit of justice. We never gave up on finding the truth for Danni and her family, exhausting all means necessary to bring closure to this heartbreaking chapter."
The investigation took a crucial turn when private investigator Tom Elfmont and Sergeant Court Depweg, who specializes in DNA technology, were brought in to assist. Their combined efforts, along with the preserved evidence, ultimately led to the identification of Hutchinson as the perpetrator.
On July 23, 2024, investigators interviewed Hutchinson, who displayed extreme nervousness and erratic behavior during the nearly two-hour session. The next morning, Hutchinson died by suicide, a tragic end that left many questions unanswered.
Community members and those who followed the case for years shared their thoughts on social media. Julia Carroll expressed gratitude for the efforts made to solve the case, saying, "I’m grateful to all involved who worked to get answers for the family. My condolences go out to the family, and I hope this brings them some measure of comfort."
Trish Dvoroznak, a neighbor of Hutchinson, shared her shock, stating, "Wow. This guy lived right next door to us. So thankful this has been solved and praying for his wife and kids. You just don’t know what goes on behind closed doors even in small Dillon."
As the investigation continues to ensure all aspects of the case are resolved, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to sharing information with other law enforcement agencies, hoping to uncover any other potential victims of similar crimes.
The resolution of this case brings a long-awaited sense of closure to Danni’s family and the Belgrade community, who have waited nearly three decades for justice.