Donald McQuade, a man from Oregon, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 1978 killing of 16-year-old Shelley Connolly in Alaska. Despite maintaining his innocence, McQuade was convicted of murder in December. Connolly’s body was discovered near a highway pullout between Anchorage and Girdwood in 1978. McQuade plans to appeal the conviction, claiming he did not know Connolly prior to her death.
Investigators were able to develop a DNA profile from swabs collected from Connolly’s body years after her death. In 2019, genetic genealogy testing was utilized to compare this DNA profile to known profiles in genealogical databases, leading to a match with McQuade. Authorities in Oregon collected McQuade’s DNA from discarded cigarette butts. Prosecutors stated that there was no evidence of a prior connection between McQuade and Connolly.
The sentencing provides some closure for friends and family of Shelley Connolly, as her mother had unfortunately passed away before seeing a resolution in the case. Superior Court Judge Andrew Peterson acknowledged that the 50-year sentence essentially amounted to a life sentence for McQuade. Despite being in remission from advanced liver cancer, McQuade’s attorney requested the minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
McQuade’s conviction and sentencing shed light on advancements in DNA technology and genetic genealogy testing, which have increasingly been utilized in solving cold cases. The case demonstrates how DNA evidence collected from crime scenes and genetic databases can help identify suspects and bring closure to victims’ families. The use of discarded cigarette butts as a source of DNA in this case highlights the various methods investigators employ to obtain crucial evidence.
The sentencing of McQuade brings attention to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to victims of cold cases, even decades after the crimes were committed. The case serves as a reminder that advancements in forensic technology can help solve long-standing mysteries and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. While McQuade protests his innocence, the DNA evidence linking him to the crime plays a significant role in the resolution of the case. Ultimately, the conviction and sentencing of McQuade mark a significant step in providing closure for those affected by Shelley Connolly’s tragic death.
