In 1988 there was no developed DNA science. But enough evidence was kept to allow investigators to match DNA in the cold case.
DNA from the girl’s body matched McClendon. And prosecutor Jessica Strasnick told the court Friday that the evidence is overwhelming.
At the time of the murder a van was spotted near the crime scene. In 1988, McClendon was driving the same type and color van and was in the area doing carpenter work. During that time he worked and went to church in Lawrence.
Since the murder McClendon worked as a Massachusetts corrections officer. He retired and moved to Bremen, Alabama. He was arrested in Bremen last month.
Melissa Ann’s mother, Janet Tremblay, died at the age of 70, in 2015. her surviving relatives were told of the arrest.
This appears to be another case where new DNA technologies are helping solve decades old cold cases.
