Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - The Henderson Police Department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, along with the assistance of HPD Crime Scene Analyst Unit, has officially closed the 1981 cold case homicide of Vicki Radig.
In March of 1981, a family member of 20-year-old Radig reported her missing when she did not return home from work. She had reportedly gone out with her boyfriend, Walter Bradley DeMint, and had not been seen since. DeMint told family members he and Radig had an argument, and she ran off.
Two days later, her body was discovered in a desert area near the 900 block of Boulder Highway. The investigation revealed she died from blunt and sharp force trauma and the incident was determined to be a homicide.
From the onset of the investigation, DeMint was considered a person of interest. Throughout the investigation, DeMint’s account of events was inconsistent with his original statement.
However, at the time, investigators did not have sufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
DeMint passed away in 2007.
In 2021 the Henderson Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit submitted for forensic testing of DNA found on swabs taken from Radig as part of the investigation. DeMint was identified as a DNA contributor.
In 2022 and 2023, all additional items were submitted for forensic testing and indicated no DNA profiles were attributable to any individuals other than DeMint or Radig. The case was presented to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, which concurred Walter Bradley DeMint is the only viable suspect identified in this case.
Radig’s family has been notified of these developments and continues to be supported in this case.
This investigation involved exhaustive and collaborative efforts of the Henderson Police Department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, Henderson Police Department Crime Scene Analyst Unit, City of Boulder City Police Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Criminalistics Bureau, Clark County District Attorney’s Office and the following Forensic DNA Laboratories: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Forensic DNA Laboratory, Astrea Forensics, Sorenson Forensics and Othram.