However, forensic science was yet to evolve in 1985, and with the police having no leads or suspects, the case went cold. No suspects had been publicly named. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was responsible, cops say, according to The Pensacola News Journal. It was just a normal New Years Eve.. The cutting-edge forensic technology helped authorities identify multiple people as distant cousins of the suspect. She had been strangled and sexually assaulted, officials said. My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life, McKinleys now-grown son Timothy Davidson Jr. said according to the outlet. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. I'm positive of that.". Tonyas son Tim Davidson Jr. called Daniel a coward, adding that the defendant didnt even wait until the trial started. He said, Its frustrating for our family on a lot of levels because we waited so long to get justice. Name. [emailprotected]. In 1988, he was arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution in Pensacola. View their profile including current address, phone number 850-584-XXXX, background check reports, and property record on Whitepages, the most trusted online directory. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Wells is being held without bond at Escambia County Jail and will make his first court appearance Thursday morning. Pensacola, FL View Full Details Phone Numbers. Years later, thanks to advances in DNA testing, all of the evidence was identified as being from the same person, but no matches were ever found in the national DNA database. A man who was arrested last month in a 35-year-old Florida Panhandle slaying has been found dead in jail from an apparent suicide, authorities said. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery in the 1985 murder of 23-year-old Tonya Ethridge McKinley. It wasn't immediately clear whether Wells had hired or been assigned an attorney, Wood said Thursday. Tonya Ethridge McKinley, then 23, had just left a New Year's Eve celebration before she was strangled and sexually assaulted in Pensacola, allegedly by Daniel Leonard Wells, now 57, according to police. According to police reports, surveillance teams obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched with DNA found at the crime scene. According to court records, Wells was arrested in Pensacola in 1987 on battery and witness tampering charges, but the witness tampering charge was dropped after he pleaded no contest to the battery charge. Daniel Leonard Wells, the defendant charged in her death, was found dead in his cell at the Escambia County Jail in Florida. Daniel has lived with Polly in Pensacola, FL. In 1988, he was arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution in Pensacola. He got to have a family. McKinley, the mother of an 18-month-old boy, was seen alive early New Year's Day in 1985 at Darryl's Bar & Grille. Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA found at the crime scene. She was last seen alive around 1:30 a.m. at Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola, and in the early-morning hours of New Years Day, her body was found in an empty lot at the corner of Peacock Drive and Creighton Road, just one block off Scenic Highway. Investigators collected semen, head hair and pubic from Tonya's body and the crime scene. Tonya's older sister, Renee Ethridge, has run the "Tonya Ethridge McKinley Memorial" page on Facebook since 2012 in hopes of keeping her sister's case in the public eye. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office confirmed Wells had been found dead in his cell. Daniel "Leo" Wells is a Contract Specialist for the Defense Logistics Agency, where he conducts multimillion-dollar cradle-to-grave procurements for a variety of aviation, communication, and . It is the oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history and the first time the familial DNA method has been used to solve a case in Northwest Florida. She was later found in an empty lot half-naked, officers said. He got to be around his children and all those years he was out there, knowing what he did. Pensacola, FL View Cell Phone Number View Background Report. A family tree was constructed that eventually led investigators to Wells. Matthew Winkler Murder: Where is Mary Winkler Now. According to the show, she and her husband reminded Tonya after midnight that it was time to pick up their children and head home. Court records did not indicate the outcome of that case. Powerful social search locates profiles on social networks, dating sites, online shopping, web forums, music platforms, etc. But DNA in a public database eventually linked McKinley's killer to Wells' family and then to him, police said. She was later found dead at an empty lot. McKinleys son Tim Davidson Jr. called Wells a coward, adding that the defendant didnt even wait until the trial even started.. Watch: PPD makes oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history. The arrest on Wednesday is the oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history. Daniel Leonard Wells, the defendant charged in her death, was found dead in his cell at the Escambia County Jail in Florida. Daniel Leonard Wells. Find census, military, and other historical records.*. Wells was identified . Jeffrey M Gallagher, Michelle L Phillips, and three other persons are also associated with this address. The defendant got to live his life the last 35 years. However, the cause of death was determined to be strangulation, and she was also. She said, Her (Tonyas) world revolved around her son.. Wells was recently identified after a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement ran a DNA sample from the crime scene through an open-source genealogy database and identified several distant cousins of the suspect. All rights reserved. PENSACOLA, Fla. A man who was arrested last month in a 35-year-old Florida Panhandle slaying has been found dead in jail from an apparent suicide, authorities said. Wells is being held without bond at the Escambia County jail. The investigators had to wait for more than 35 years before they finally arrested the murderer with the help of cutting-edge forensic technology at their disposal. Daniel is related to Nicholas Lee Wells and Howard Snowden Wells as well as 3 additional people. For thirty-five years.. was assaulted with a blunt instrument, causing blunt-force trauma to her head. Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA found at the crime scene. She was half-nude, strangled to death and sexually assaulted. Wells was being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery and was scheduled to be in court on April 8 for his first hearing in the case. She was half naked and had been strangled and sexually assaulted, Pensacola police officers said. View property details and household demographic information related to income, investments, and interests. Zaznacz stron. Vanita reminisced how the 23-year-old dotted over her child, taking the toddler everywhere she went and trying to provide for all his needs. Weve your back if youre interested in finding out more about the case and the killers identity. Tonya and Renee's father, Joe, died in April 2000. His age is 60. Have a tip or story idea? Wells, 57, was arrested by the Pensacola Police Department on March 18 for the 1985 murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley. On Wednesday evening, that day finally arrived with the arrest of Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, who was tied to the young woman's 1985 slaying thanks to DNA recovered from the butt of his. He was held without bond at Escambia County Jail and made his court appearance the following morning, where he professed his innocence. Wells was booked into the Escambia County Jail on Wednesday and held without bail. Using that, they and Parabon made use of an open-source genealogy database, used it to locate distant relatives of the suspect, and finally found the defendant, officers said in the Pensacola News Journal report. Wells was identified after Parabon NanoLabs, a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ran a DNA sample obtained from the scene of the crime through an open-source genealogy database and identified several different people believed to be distant cousins of the suspect. Their mother, Laverne, lives in Jay with Renee. Daniel lives at 5206 Cerny Rd, Pensacola, FL. A video appearance was scheduled for court to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. From there, the Pensacola police, FDLE and Parabon constructed a family tree, starting with the distant relatives, that eventually led them to identify Wells as a suspect. She had been strangled and sexually assaulted, officials said. Daniel has lived in a single family house in Liberty, MO with Mary. "My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life," Davidson said after the arrest. Their parting exchange was wishing each other New Year greetings, and Tonya stated she would see her the following morning. He was set for a court appearance in the case on April 8 at 8:30 a.m. McKinley was last seen alive around 1:30 a.m. at Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola, and in the early-morning hours of New Years Day her body was found in an empty lot at the corner of Peacock Drive and Creighton Road, just one block off Scenic Highway. Investigators nationwide say the genetics company have aided in solving cold cases. Around three and a half decades later,Pensacola police arrested Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, for Tonyas homicide. When the emergency respondents arrived at the scene, they located the corpse lying next to the curb, with her pantyhose pulled down around her ankles and dress pulled up. He wasnt going to ever just say what he did on his own.. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts He got to be around his children and all those years he was out there, knowing what he did. She recounted how they danced, met with friends, and partied till the late night hours of New Years Eve. From there, the Pensacola police, FDLE and Parabon constructed a family tree, starting with the distant relatives, that eventually led them to identify Wells as a suspect. On Wednesday, 35 years later, Pensacola police made an arrest in the case: Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery. Disclaimer: Reference to these media outlets or TV shows should not be construed to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of Spokeo or its products. "(Tonya) can rest now," Renee said after being told of Wells' arrest. Orlando police used the method in November 2018 to identify a suspect in the 2001 murder of Christine Franke and arrested Benjamin Holmes for first-degree murder. This was from an apparently self-inflicted injury, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners spokesperson Laura Coale told Law&Crime. Two weeks after his arrest in a 35-year-old cold case murder, Daniel Leonard Wells was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, dead of an apparent suicide just days before he was scheduled to make a court appearance in the case. . The investigators interviewed several partygoers to learn the last time anyone had seen Tonya alive was around 1:15 am. Now, it seems like we just have a lot more unanswered questions.. Uncover details about birth, marriage, and divorce. Now, it seems like we just have a lot more unanswered questions.". "My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life," Davidson said after the arrest. 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[emailprotected]. At the point, the process has become kind of routine. ", Watch: PPD makes oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history. He's now charged with first-degree murder, and first-degree sexual battery. Tonya's body was found shortly before 5 a.m. on New Year's Day by a family living on Peacock Drive who were taking their sick dog to an all-night veterinarian clinic. He was carrying it around with him and he was never going to tell anyone what he did. Spokeo's database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest, court, or other related records. ". Daniel Leonard Wells' Arrest Photo (Image provided by Pensacola Police Department) Police needed him to discard something with DNA evidence, and eventually, an officer witnessed him tossing a cigarette butt. Results for this person or the person you are looking for are not guaranteed to appear in search results. He was carrying it around with him and he was never going to tell anyone what he did. The 1985 killing of Tonya Ethridge McKinley, 23, has been solved, say police in Pensacola, Florida. Contact info for Daniel Wells in Pensacola, Florida: Phone number, address lookup, email address, and social networking profiles on Spokeo, your people search engine for contact info & public records. DNA left at the scene of the crime helped locate distant relatives of the suspect. Search for birth, death, marriage, divorce, US Census, and military records. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, according to the sheriff's office. However, the cause of death was determined to be strangulation, and she was alsosexually assaulted. Lets begin then, shall we? Pensacola; Daniel Leonard Wells; Daniel Leonard Wells, Age 60. aka Dan Wells, D L Wells. Have a tip or story idea? The landline phone number 8165849629 is registered to Daniel Leonard Wells in Pensacola, FL at 5206 Cerny Rd. ADVERTISEMENT "Each time, evil won, just out of reach," police said of the 35-year gap. The investigators had to wait for more than 35 years before they finally arrested the murderer with the help of cutting-edge forensic technology at their disposal. He got to have a family. According to the arrest report, there is a less than 1 in 700 billion chance that the DNA from the crime scene is a match to anyone other than Wells. 8 maja 2022. daniel leonard wells pensacola Evidence suggested she had been raped, and they also discovered a blood-soaked blue towel by her head. His first hearing to face charges of first-degree. He is being held.. Additional court records revealed Wells was arrested in Pensacola in 1987 on battery and witness tampering charges. Thats all moot now. However, they could not find witnesses who had seen her leave the bar that night. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Their mother, Laverne, lives in Jay with Renee. Police "immediately stopped and recovered the cigarette butt," which had DNA matching semen taken off the victim's body, according to the warrant. When asked whether Tonya was disturbed by anyone or garnered unwanted attention from strangers, Vanita said, At least I did not see any such thing. Daniel Leonard Wells, age 50s, lives in Pensacola, FL. With the DNA from the cigarette butt, they were able to positively identify Wells' as the man who raped and murdered Tonya in 1985. "(Wells) got to live his life the last 35 years. Renee said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was trying to make a better life for herself when she was killed. Daniel and Jennifer have resided together in a single family house in Kansas City, MO. The57-year-old pleaded not guilty on March 24 and was set for an arraignment in the first week of April. "(Tonya) would fight hard for me she would fight for me and I've gotta fight for her," Renee told WKRG in a 2008 interview. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal. May go by: Dan Leonard Wells Age. McCall said she's pleased about the arrest in her sister's case but saddened that her dad died a decade ago without knowing that his daughter's alleged killer would someday be caught. . According to the arrest report, there is a less than onein 700 billion chance that the DNA from the crime scene is a match to anyone other than Wells. Renee said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was trying to make a better life for herself when she was killed. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, according to the sheriff's office. She had last been seen at a Pensacola bar shortly after the start of the new year. In the meantime, a baby boy grew up without a mother, parents buried their daughter without knowing justice, and a killer was walking around free. Pensacola Police announced Thursday that Daniel Leonard Wells, of Pensacola, was arrested Wednesday and charged with homicide and sexual battery. Records viewed by Law&Crime show that Wells, 57, pleaded not guilty March 24 and was set for an arraignment Wednesday. His first hearing to face charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery had been scheduled for April 8, the Pensacola News Journal reported. He was found hanged in his cell early Thursday morning, according to authorities in a Pensacola News Journalreport. Davidson was 18 months old at the time of the murder. He got to have a family. "I know it took a long time, but it was one of those cases we never gave up on.". Wells was being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery and was scheduled to be in court on April 8 for his first hearing in the case. However, Vanita said the young mother was not yet ready to call it a night and requested to pick up her son on her behalf. She was half-nude, strangled to death and sexually assaulted. "(Wells) is a coward he didn't even wait until the trial even started," said McKinley's son, Tim Davidson Jr., who was just 18 months old when his mother was murdered. ", Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "This was a case that spanned three generations of detectives," said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation. We did this time and time again. Years later, thanks to advances in DNA testing, all of the evidence was identified as being from the same person, but no matches were ever found in the national DNA database. She was half-nude, strangled to death and sexually assaulted. Orlando police used the method in November 2018 to identify a suspect in the 2001 murder of Christine Franke and arrested Benjamin Holmes for first-degree murder. We did this time and time again. "She can finally rest.". At the time of the incident, Tonya Ethridge McKinley and her 17-month-old son, Timothy, had moved in with her cousin, Vanita Biasco, to Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida, in late 1984, following a split with the infants father. Hes now charged with first-degree murder, and first-degree sexual battery. From there, the Pensacola police, FDLE and Parabon constructed a family tree, starting with the distant relatives, that eventually led them to identify Wells as a suspect. . David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Tonya and Renee's father, Joe, died in April 2000. https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200402/suspect-in-1985-northwest-florida-cold-case-murder-found-dead-in-jail-cell. "(Tonya) would fight hard for me she would fight for me and I've gotta fight for her," Renee told WKRG in a 2008 interview. Pensacola police make arrest in 35-year-old cold case murder using familial DNA, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Uncover Daniel's photos, videos, and more , Personal details for Daniel may include . Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. 5 records for "Daniel Wells" in "Escambia County". More than anything, Renee said, Tonya loved her then-18-month-old son, Timothy Davidson Jr., who family members affectionately referred to as Timbo when he was a child. . Police arrested 57-year-old Daniel Leonard Wells (Escambia County Jail) A 57-year-old man has been arrested 35 years after the murder of a young mother in Florida. All his needs see her the following morning, according to authorities in a single family house Kansas! Find witnesses who had seen Tonya alive was around 1:15 am we waited so to. Or been assigned an attorney, Wood said Thursday three and a half decades later, Pensacola, at... Assaulted, officials said reach, '' Renee said after being told of Wells '.. He did Wells had hired or been assigned an attorney, Wood said Thursday Board of County spokesperson. 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