DNA Used to Solve Decades-Old Murder Mystery

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KTLA) -- Cold Case Homicide Detectives used DNA evidence to solve a decades-long investigation into the murder of a woman outside the Ancient Mariner restaurant in 1978.

On July 10, 1978, 26-year-old Lynda Saunders and 28-year-old Michael Reynolds were seen leaving the Ancient Mariner after having a couple of drinks, according to witness accounts.

Between 3:30 and 3:40 AM, the ex-manager of the Ancient Mariner, drove past and observed Reynolds vehicle in the parking lot with the interior light on, and it appeared the right rear passenger door was open.

At approximately 4:20 a.m., the manager of a nearby Del Taco was cleaning out behind the restaurant when he heard Reynolds calling for help.

He found Reynolds lying in the Ancient Mariner parking lot about thirty feet east of his vehicle.

Reynolds told the first officer that arrived at the scene three dark guys shot him.

Officers checked the area behind the Ancient Mariner and located a purse and identification belonging to Saunders.

Directly to the rear of the nearby Heritage Liquor Store officers found Saunders' body.

She had sustained a single, gunshot wound to the center of the chest, and blunt force trauma to the head.

It was later confirmed that she had also been sexually assaulted.

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DNA Used to Solve Decades-Old Murder Mystery