DNA advancements lead to cold case breakthrough in Utah abduction, murder mystery

In 1972, the quiet community of Vernal, Utah, was shaken by a violent crime that remained unsolved for more than 50 years.
Gregory Dahl Nickell, 21, was murdered, and his 18-year-old date was abducted and raped.
Investigators suspected what had happened but were unable to prove it for decades. Now, advancements in DNA technology have led authorities to the two men they say committed the crimes, one of whom is still alive.
“I remember when it happened,” said Marvin Capps, who has lived in Vernal for decades. “Vernal was a quiet, peaceful town, and it’s the first murder I can ever remember.”
PART 1: bit.ly/3WRm2bE
In Part One, 2News reported on a 52-year-old cold case where police arrested and charged the only living suspect in the 1972 murder of Gregory Dahl Nickell.
Advances in forensic technology helped crack the case.
In November 1972, the weekend after Thanksgiving, 21-year-old Gregory Dahl Nickell was shot, and his car was set on fire with him inside. His 18-year-old date was kidnapped and raped before being released hours later.
PART 2: bit.ly/4aSyldC
#coldcasesolved #utahcoldcase #utahmurder #vernalutah #GregoryDahlNickell #utahcrime
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