In a significant breakthrough, California deputies declared on Tuesday that they have successfully resolved a long-standing murder case, thanks to a blend of traditional and modern investigative techniques.

The case dates back to November 15, 1983, when investigators discovered Dorothy “Toby” Tate’s lifeless body inside a van. Tate had been fatally shot, according to information released by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.

At the crime scene, detectives uncovered vital clues, including fingerprints on a soda can and DNA evidence. The fingerprints were linked to Charly Sneed, a Texas resident, while forensic genealogy pointed to Steven Richard Hardy as a DNA contributor. Both individuals resided in Texas during the time of Tate’s murder and have since passed away.

Authorities have concluded that Sneed and Hardy were involved in the murder of Tate “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The sheriff’s office further elaborated that evidence suggests the crime was likely perpetrated amidst a burglary or theft, as some of Tate’s belongings were later found to have been pawned in California.

The sheriff’s office submitted the results of the investigation to the district attorney’s office, which determined that probable cause existed to charge Hardy and Sneed “had the suspects been alive.” As a result, they closed the case, labeling it “exceptionally cleared.”