81-year-old confesses to German cold case murder of US tourist in 1994
An 82-year-old man has confessed to the 1994 murder of 24-year-old American tourist Amy Lopez in Koblenz, Germany. The cold case was solved after modern forensic techniques matched DNA found on the victim's clothing to a sample provided by the suspect during the investigation.
Why it matters
The case demonstrates the power of advancements in forensic science to resolve decades-old cold cases and provide closure for victims' families.
Image source, Hessen Police Image caption, Amy Lopez, 24, from Texas was last seen alive on her way to a historic fortress in Koblenz almost 32 years ago
A man aged 82 is facing a life sentence in prison in Germany, after going on trial and admitting to a murder that mystified the city of Koblenz for almost 32 years.
Amy Lopez from Texas was last seen alive in September 1994, heading for Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz while on a tour of Europe.
Her body was found at the site two hours later.
Hans S, who was 49 at the time, was arrested at a retirement home in the area last February after a DNA trace found on Lopez's clothing was matched to saliva he had provided during a cold-case investigation.
His full name has not been revealed because of German privacy rules.
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