UNION, Mo. (KMOX) — 32 years after she disappeared, Franklin County authorities believe they have Karla Jane Delcour's killer.
On Monday, 64-year-old Kirby King was arrested and charged with Delcour's murder. His bond is set at $100,000.
"Sometimes a fresh perspective combined with advances in science and technology aid in furthering an investigation when all original leads have been exhausted," said Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton in a statement. "I want to commend the Cold Case Investigations Unit for their countless hours investigating this case and the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office for the extensive review of the case."
The 22-year-old went missing in Union, Mo. on June 21st, 1987. She was found on June 24th strangled to death in the woods west of St. Clair, Mo., bound at the wrists and neck.
Charges were never filed in the 32 years since her death. Several witnesses and suspects were interviewed.
Her case was re-opened in 2018 and investigators went to Texas, Arizona, and back to Missouri looking for answers and talking to witnesses and suspects related to the case.
It's not known exactly what led investigators to King.
"Many details in her murder are not part of this release because there is a long way to go to reach justice for Karla Delcour and her family and a premature release of information might hinder that for the family," Sheriff Pelton continued. "This case is about bringing justice for the victim and the victim's family, and ensuring that Ms. Delcour will not be forgotten."