A Promise to Helene
Summary
Dateline NBC investigates the 40-year-old cold case of Helene Przinski, murdered in Denver in 1980. Friend Kimberly Latourette’s relentless advocacy kept the case alive until Detective Shannon Jensen used forensic genealogy to identify suspect Curtis Allen White. DNA from beer mugs confirmed his guilt, leading to his confession and life sentence for the rape and murder.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: SNHU and Granger
Introduction: The 40-year mission to solve Helene's murder
Helene Przinski: Her life, family, and move to Denver
The Disappearance: Helene vanishes after her shift
Initial Investigation: Crime scene details and early leads
Cold Case Era: Witness sketch and lack of technology
Sponsors: IXL, Mint Mobile, and Northwell Health
Kimberly's Promise: Keeping the case alive for decades
False Confessions: The Lucas and Toole serial killer leads
DNA Dead End: CODIS match failure and media stunts
New Approach: Detective Jensen and genetic genealogy
Sponsors: Rosetta Stone, GoodRx, and Chime
Identifying the Suspect: Curtis Allen White and the mugshot
Surveillance and DNA Match: Beer mugs confirm identity
The Interrogation: Clanton admits to the murder
Justice Served: Confession, sentencing, and closure
Conclusion and Sponsor: Capital One Venture X
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