Authorities Rescued Him From a Snow Drift in a Mountain Pass—Unaware He Had Just Committed Two Murders

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In a startling turn of events, Alan Lee Thompson, a 70-year-old resident of a Colorado town, was under surveillance without his knowledge. On February 20, he was observed picking up food at a local drive-thru and later discarding a brown bag at the Dumont Post Office. Unbeknownst to him, the discarded bag would lead to his arrest just days later, as authorities collected and tested his DNA, which matched evidence from a cold case involving the brutal murders of two women in January 1982.

The Victims: A Tragic Tale of Annette Kay Smith and Brenda Lee Thompson

Annette Kay Smith, 21, and Brenda Lee Thompson, 29, were reported missing from Hoosier Pass on a frigid night in January 1982. Both young women, who did not know each other, had been hitchhiking home after their work shifts. Annette was last seen at a pharmacy and intended to change clothes before heading to her job at a local tavern. Brenda was enjoying drinks with friends after work, planning to hitch a ride home to her husband. Tragically, both women vanished that night.

Brenda’s body was discovered first, showing signs of a struggle and having been shot to death. Annette’s body was located six months later in a creek, also showing evidence of a gunshot wound. The two cases, although separate, were intertwined through physical evidence, including a distinctive orange sock found near Brenda’s remains.

A Bizarre Twist of Fate

What complicates the investigation is the fact that Alan Lee Thompson had been rescued from a snow drift in the same area on the night the women disappeared. He had signaled for help after getting his vehicle stuck in the snow. The fire chief responded to his distress but had no idea that two women were missing in the vicinity. Thompson, who claimed he had been drinking, was simply trying to distance himself from the horrific acts he had just committed.

The Breakthrough in the Case

After decades of searching for answers, retired detective Charlie Adams, who had dedicated 32 years to this case, played a crucial role in finally identifying Thompson. His DNA had never entered the national database, but through innovative genetic genealogy techniques, a private company was able to determine Thompson’s identity, leading to his arrest.

The long-awaited closure for the families involved is bittersweet. Annette’s mother, Mary Johnson, has expressed her anguish over the years, saying it felt like “39 years of torment.” She feared she might leave this world without knowing who harmed her daughter. Now, with the case resolved, she feels a sense of relief but also a deep sadness for what was lost.

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Summary

This tragic story highlights the intersection of justice and time, as authorities finally connect a cold case from 1982 to Alan Lee Thompson, who was rescued the same night the two women disappeared. Through DNA advancements, the long-awaited truth has come to light, offering closure to the victims’ families after decades of uncertainty and heartache.

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