The long-standing cold case of the 1999 murder of Sherry Holtz in Sanford, Florida, has finally been closed after nearly 25 years. Holtz was found dead in a wooded area. Her body showed signs of brutal trauma, with evidence of strangulation and sexual assault. The case was reopened in 2023, and DNA evidence eventually led to the arrest of Holtz’s boyfriend, Gary Durrance, for second-degree homicide.
Authorities uncovered a history of domestic violence incidents between Holtz and Durrance in the years leading up to the murder. After being confronted with new evidence, Durrance confessed to his involvement in Holtz’s killing. With the perpetrator now in custody, Sanford Chief of Police Cecil E. Smith expressed hope that the arrest would bring some closure to Holtz’s family. Durrance faces justice for the heinous crime he committed all those years ago, ensuring he spends the rest of his life behind bars.