United States authorities finally arrested the suspected killer of two Filipino-Americans after 37 years.
The victims identified as Mary Jane Malatag and Jeffrey Atup. Fremont Police used DNA technology to solve the case.
The two were killed on December 20, 1982 after they were seen leaving a movie house in California. After dropping by a 7-11 store, the two were never found again.
A 911 caller reported to the police that body was found believed to be belonging to Atup. Few hours after, authorities received another call and found the body of Malatag, too.
For years, the case did not progress even with possible persons of interest.
When DNA testing became more prevalent, 17 years after the crime, the Fremont Police re-opened the case.
The DNA evidence however did not match anyone in the database.
The case went cold after an extensive investigation and multiple interviews with possible persons of interest.
The case was re-opened again in 2018 using newer DNA technology. Parabon Nanolabs was contacted and they initiated new DNA testing on evidence in an attempt to utilize Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG).
After the test, Clifton Hudspeth, was identified as the suspect.
An ABS-CBN News report stated that Hudspeth, 31 years old, back in 1982 lived close to Malatag and Atup.
He had a history of violence including robberies, sexual assaults and attempted homicides.
Authorities also confirmed that Hudspeth was present nearby when the crimes took place. However, Hudspeth died in 1999 due to a medical condition.
The families were already notified with the development of the case and thanked authorities for not giving up in finding justice on the death of Malatag and Atup.
