A longstanding mystery surrounding the murder of a Colorado woman has finally been unraveled after nearly four decades. The case, dating back to 1987, has been conclusively tied to a deceased serial killer, as confirmed by local authorities.

The breakthrough in the cold case of 30-year-old Rhonda Marie Fisher was achieved through meticulous evidence re-examination and cutting-edge DNA analysis, according to an announcement made by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Case Unit.

Rhonda’s tragic demise began to unfold on April 1, 1987, when a passerby stumbled upon her lifeless body in Larkspur, a small community situated roughly 40 miles south of Denver. Just the night before, she had been seen walking along South Monaco Parkway in Denver.

Initial investigations indicated that Fisher had suffered both sexual assault and strangulation. Early on, detectives considered multiple serial offenders who had been active in the Denver metro area from the 1970s through the 1990s. They also looked into a known associate of Fisher’s, who was eventually ruled out as a suspect.

Reexamination of evidence with advanced DNA testing

Despite extensive investigative efforts and periodic case reviews over the years, including the reanalysis of DNA in 2017, authorities struggled to pinpoint a definitive suspect due to an incomplete DNA profile. This left Fisher’s case unresolved for decades—until now.

However, earlier this year, the sheriff’s office said DCSO Cold Case Unit investigators and forensic scientists from the Unified Forensic Lab, along with staff members from the Property and Evidence Facility, reopened the investigation.

According to the agency, additional items were resubmitted for DNA testing, and in October, investigators received a case-to-case DNA match through the Combined DNA Index System. The sheriff’s office said the match was found through DNA recovered from paper bags left on Fisher’s hands that were “used to preserve trace evidence.”

The DSCO Cold Case Unit told Kim Posey of Nexstar’s KDVR that the paper bags were the only items in the case that had not been submitted for testing.

DNA found on the bags matched biological evidence from the murders of three women in 1979, which were linked to serial killer Vincent Darrell Groves.

“Those paper bags were saved and had not been touched for 40 years. So, the thought is whatever skin cells were on her hands also transferred to the inside of those brown paper bags, and so it was a combination of Rhonda’s DNA and Vincent’s DNA,” said Shane Williams, a DCSO Crime Lab forensic analyst.

According to the agency, Groves had long been considered a suspect, but the DNA match was the link investigators needed.

“Obtaining a DNA profile from paper bags nearly 40 years old is exceptionally rare, highlighting how critical a careful case and evidence review is,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly.

Vincent Darrell Groves

Between 1978 and 1988, the law enforcement agency said Groves had primarily targeted women in the Denver metro area and had “documented” his involvement in sex trafficking and drug distribution.

Groves was convicted of murder in 1982, but served less than five years before being released and later committed “additional violent crimes.” Groves died in 1996 at a Colorado prison while he was serving time for the murders of a Douglas County victim and an Adams County victim that occurred in 1988.

Law enforcement believes Groves is responsible for at least 12 homicides, attempted murder and sexual assault in the metro area. He’s “considered one of Colorado’s most prolific serial killers,” according to the sheriff’s office.

“While Vincent Groves cannot be held accountable in a court of law, we hope this long-awaited resolution brings answers and a measure of peace to Rhonda Fisher’s family and friends. This case is a testament to our commitment to pursue justice for every victim — no matter how much time has passed,” said the sheriff’s office in a press release.

Groves was also linked in 2012 to the unsolved murders of four other Colorado women.

7 years with 7 cold cases solved

The Douglas County law enforcement agency said it has resolved seven cold cases within the past seven years, including the 1985 homicide of Rodger Dean.

“We will continue to prioritize cold cases,” said Weekly in a press release.” As science evolves, so does our ability to uncover the truth. Our commitment to these investigations — and to the families who await answers — will never waver.”

The law enforcement agency said it would work to revisit evidence “with fresh perspectives,” and create strong collaborations with forensic agencies to “ensure no victim is forgotten.”

Michele Kennedy, the DCSO Crime Analyst Supervisor, said Fisher’s mother, father and brother all died without knowing who killed her. Kennedy told KDVR that they were able to share the news with one of Fisher’s cousins, who expressed relief.