Looks like the result of diligent, old-fashioned police work. Tim Hutchison took a good bit of criticism over not taking this case to national TV shows. I believe those in his department said all signs pointed to someone local and TV wouldn't help. Sometimes solving difficult cases isn't fast work. Kudos to the Sheriff's Office, KPD, TBI and others who helped nab the killer.

I was suprised the kid was still in town. He looks remarkably like the drawing. The Detective AmyLynn is very hard working, she's done detective work while having side jobs, school and bike racing.

I agree with all that.

But it also sounds like they caught a lucky break. According to the article, he was arrested on a warrant for violation of probation, and gave up his DNA.

Given the fact that he was still in the area, and gave up his DNA (surely knowing they had a sample of the killer's DNA), it makes me think that a) he's dumber than a box of rocks, b) he couldn't take the guilt and/or dread of being found out any more and just wanted to get caught and get it over with because he knew it was inevitable, or c) both. Part (b) is reinforced by the fact that he admitted the crime as soon as they found him.

Sounds like he's been waiting for it.

The good thing is that this removes the cloud of suspicion from her boyfriend, who took a lot of crap on the blogs and in the media.

The earlier KNS report today suggested a tie it to Peninsula, and that was removed after the press conference. Seems like there were lots of fingers pointing in lots of directions, which is a good reminder to wait until the facts are in before passing judgment.

P.S. But we also don't know what led them to arrest him on an outstanding probation violation. It's not like they spend a lot of time pursuing those. So there's probably more to the story, and it very well could involve some of the good police work you mention.

But I do think there were some cops who devoted nearly three years of their lives to working this case.

I like to think that some of the work Keith Lyon did on this case helped to bring it to this end.

Wearybottom Associates

They have kept the heat on, too. The boyfriend must also be experiencing a moment of relief. From the talk I've heard a whole lot of people had a pretty firm belief he did it. May Johnia Berry now rest in peace.

and an incompetent criminal.In similar cases the perp ran off to other states, California and Wisconsin come to mind as destinations other murderers chose and they were only caught by committing crimes in those states and being caught up in codis dna matches.

The press conference was a joke. If the Sheriff 's department had spent more time slapping themselves on the back they could ahve been charged with assault.
My heart goes out to the Berry family and I hope they can stand the rigors of the trial.