No suspects had been publicly named. For thirty-five years.. You may have heard that name before. Spokeo's database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest, court, or other related records. DNA left at the scene of the crime helped locate distant relatives of the suspect. Tonya's body was found shortly before 5 a.m. on New Year's Day by a family living on Peacock Drive who were taking their sick dog to an all-night veterinarian clinic. However, the cause of death was determined to be strangulation, and she was alsosexually assaulted. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. "This was a case that spanned three generations of detectives," said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation. According to the arrest report, there is a greater than 1 in 700 billion chance that the DNA from the crime scene is a match to anyone other than Wells. Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA found at the crime scene. In the meantime, a baby boy grew up without a mother, parents buried their daughter without knowing justice, and a killer was walking around free. He got to be around his children and all those years he was out there, knowing what he did. . Wells was booked into the Escambia County Jail on Wednesday and held without bail. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery in the 1985 murder of 23-year-old Tonya Ethridge McKinley. Daniel Leonard Wells, age 50s, lives in Pensacola, FL. At the time of the incident, Tonya Ethridge McKinley and her 17-month-old son, Timothy, had moved in with her cousin, Vanita Biasco, to Pensacola in Escambia County, Florida, in late 1984, following a split with the infants father. McCall said she's pleased about the arrest in her sister's case but saddened that her dad died a decade ago without knowing that his daughter's alleged killer would someday be caught. He has been charged with murder and sexual battery. After 35 years, an Escambia County man has been charged with murdering a woman in Pensacola. Renee said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was trying to make a better life for herself when she was killed. Wells is being held without bond at Escambia County Jail and will make his first court appearance Thursday morning. However, the cause of death was determined to be strangulation, and she was also. Evidence suggested she had been raped, and they also discovered a blood-soaked blue towel by her head. Tonya Ethridge McKinley, then 23, had just left a New Year's Eve celebration before she was strangled and sexually assaulted in Pensacola, allegedly by Daniel Leonard Wells, now 57, according to police. Past Addresses: Pensacola FL, Kansas City MO +4 more. I'm positive of that.". She recounted how they danced, met with friends, and partied till the late night hours of New Years Eve. Wells, who was living in Pensacola at the time of his arrest, was identified after Parabon NanoLabs, a Virginia-based company working with the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, ran a DNA sample obtained from the scene of the crime through an open-source genealogy database and identified several different people believed to be distant cousins of the suspect. "There are people out there who know (what happened). A family tree was constructed that eventually led investigators to Wells. "(Wells) got to live his life the last 35 years. View their profile including current address, phone number 850-584-XXXX, background check reports, and property record on Whitepages, the most trusted online directory. Daniel has lived in a single family house in Liberty, MO with Mary. May 8, 2022 | In best courses to study in uk for masters | . ", Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics. More than anything, Renee said, Tonya loved her then-18-month-old son, Timothy Davidson Jr., who family members affectionately referred to as Timbo when he was a child. We found 4 phone numbers and email addresses. Investigators collected semen, head hair and pubic from Tonya's body and the crime scene. According to the show, she and her husband reminded Tonya after midnight that it was time to pick up their children and head home. Disclaimer: Reference to these media outlets or TV shows should not be construed to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of Spokeo or its products. DNA evidence lifted from a discarded cigarette led Florida police to the man they believe killed a young mother 35 years ago, authorities said Thursday. Have a tip or story idea? "She can finally rest.". It is the oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history and the first time the familial DNA method has been used to solve a case in Northwest Florida. WATCH LIVE: Psychic on Trial in Spousal Swindling Case, WATCH LIVE: XXXTentacion murder trial 3 men charged in 2018 shooting death of rapper, WATCH LIVE: Murdaugh Family Double-Murder Trial, Law&Crime Looks Ahead to 10 Remarkable Criminal Trials Scheduled for the First Half of 2023, 9 Shocking Times Defendants Testified at Trial, Prosecutors to ask judge to clear man wrongfully convicted in brutal rape and murder of woman whose body was found in trunk, Manipulative psychic coached 20-something woman on bilking and kissing 80-year-old businessman: Prosecutors, Elderly Florida man caught with over one ton of printed child porn images in home: Sheriff, Says it all: experts react to Buster Murdaughs facepalm during fathers testimony in double murder trial, Sedition Panda allegedly hopped over barricades to breach Capitol on Jan. 6, now faces felony charges, was last seen alive early New Years Day in 1985 at a restaurant, 'Says it all': experts react to Buster Murdaugh's facepalm during father's testimony in double murder trial, Elderly Florida man caught with 'over one ton' of printed child porn images in home: Sheriff, 'Sedition Panda' allegedly hopped over barricades to breach Capitol on Jan. 6, now faces felony charges, Unsealed search warrant reveals new evidence against accused quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger in grisly fatal stabbings of Idaho students, Former NFL running back sentenced to jail following brutal video of attack on ex-girlfriend that went viral, Ex-Beyond Meat COO pleads guilty to felony after taking a bite out of strangers nose in uncontrollable rage following football game, Mullet streaker bellyflops into pond at pro golfs Greatest Show on Grass before hes arrested, 82-year-old woman pronounced dead at nursing home, but funeral home found her breathing: Authorities, California Cops Looking For Man Who Left Human Remains On Police Station Counter, Why Man Who Sued Sheriff For Wheel of Fugitive May Have Claim: Analysis, Reality TV Fraudster Jen Shahs Accomplice Can Travel to Las Vegas for His CBD Business: Judge. The defendant got to live his life the last 35 years. There are 5 court records for "Daniel Wells" in "Escambia County". "It's frustrating for our family on a lot of levels because we waited so long to get justice. He is being held.. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts McKinley, the mother of an 18-month-old boy, was seen alive early New Year's Day in 1985 at Darryl's Bar & Grille. Detectives in Pensacola said "evil won" in the unsolved murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley "until today.". The investigators had to wait for more than 35 years before they finally arrested the murderer with the help of cutting-edge forensic technology at their disposal. "What is important is that no one forgot Tonya. More than anything, Renee said, Tonya loved her then-18-month-old son, Timothy Davidson Jr., who family members affectionately referred to as Timbo when he was a child. The Pensacola Police Department collaborated with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Virginia-based Parabon NanoLabs to run a DNA sample recovered from the crime scene through an open-source genealogy database. When asked whether Tonya was disturbed by anyone or garnered unwanted attention from strangers, Vanita said, At least I did not see any such thing. Its frustrating for our family on a lot of levels because we waited so long to get justice, he said. Edited: Suspect in 35-year-old Pensacola cold case solved by familial DNA commits suicide in jail By Tony Adame Pensacola News Journal Two weeks after his arrest in a 35-year-old cold case murder, Daniel Leonard Wells was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, dead of an apparent suicide just days before he was scheduled to make a court appearance in the case. daniel leonard wells pensacola daniel leonard wells pensacola. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Daniel has lived with Polly in Pensacola, FL. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Check out The Morning News to get the latest news, weather and traffic in Central Florida. According to court records, Wells was arrested in Pensacola in 1987 on battery and witness tampering charges, but the witness tampering charge was dropped after he pleaded no contest to the battery charge. She had been fatally strangled, and sexually assaulted, police said. The investigators interviewed several partygoers to learn the last time anyone had seen Tonya alive was around 1:15 am. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, according to the sheriffs office. I'm positive of that.". They found a dead body and immediately notified the authorities. His first hearing to face charges of first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery had been scheduled for April 8, the Pensacola News Journal reported. Years later, thanks to advances in DNA testing, all of the evidence was identified as being from the same person, but no matches were ever found in the national DNA database. View Dan Rowdy Wells's record in Pensacola, FL including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. "(Wells) is a coward he didn't even wait until the trial even started," said McKinley's son, Tim Davidson Jr., who was just 18 months old when his mother was murdered. Investigators collected semen, head hair and pubic hair from Tonya's body and the crime scene. Daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found dead in his cell at Escambia County Sheriff's Office in an apparent suicide Thursday morning. Renee said Tonya loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was trying to make a better life for herself when she was killed. [Image of McKinley via Pensacola Police Department; mugshot of Wells via Escambia County], Have a tip we should know? However, he was found dead inhis cell at the Escambia County Jail in Florida on April 2, 2020. McKinley, 23, was last seen alive early New Years Day in 1985 at a restaurant. He was found hanged in his cell early Thursday morning, according to authorities in a Pensacola News Journalreport. Daniel Leonard Wells, the defendant charged in her death, was found dead in his cell at the Escambia County Jail in Florida. Emailus. PENSACOLA Two weeks after his arrest in a 35-year-old cold case murder, Daniel Leonard Wells was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, dead of an apparent suicide just days before he was scheduled to make a court appearance in the case. "My mom, she never got to raise me, never got to be a part of my life," Davidson said after the arrest. Pensacola Police announced Thursday that Daniel Leonard Wells, of Pensacola, was arrested Wednesday and charged with homicide and sexual battery. Daniel departed this 2,006 square foot home in 2003. Tonya's older sister, Renee Ethridge, has run the "Tonya Ethridge McKinley Memorial" page on Facebook since 2012 in hopes of keeping her sister's case in the public eye. Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA found at the crime scene. Explore the listing below to find Daniel's address, relatives, and other public records. The victim was identified as Tonya, and an autopsy report stated she was assaulted with a blunt instrument, causing blunt-force trauma to her head. Davidson was 18 months old at the time of the murder. From there, the Pensacola police, FDLE and Parabon constructed a family tree, starting with the distant relatives, that eventually led them to identify Wells as a suspect. She was later found in an empty lot half-naked, officers said. He wasnt going to ever just say what he did on his own.. Phone & Email (4) All Addresses (7) Family (3) Daniel Leonard Wells' Arrest Photo (Image provided by Pensacola Police Department) Police needed him to discard something with DNA evidence, and eventually, an officer witnessed him tossing a cigarette butt. The57-year-old pleaded not guilty on March 24 and was set for an arraignment in the first week of April. Investigators were secretly following Wells on March 4 when he tossed a cigarette out of his car, according to an arrest warrant. [emailprotected]. Detectives said they spoke to dozens of friends and other revelers at Darryl's Bar & Grille, not far from where McKinley was found on Jan. 1, 1985. Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA found at the crime scene. Jeffrey M Gallagher, Michelle L Phillips, and three other persons are also associated with this address. Lets begin then, shall we? Current Address: EWZU Cerny Rd, Pensacola, FL. Uncover details about birth, marriage, and divorce. He's now charged with first-degree murder, and first-degree sexual battery. McKinley, the mother of an 18-month-old boy, was seen alive early New Years Day in 1985 at Darryls Bar & Grille. Daniel and Jennifer have resided together in a single family house in Kansas City, MO. A video appearance was scheduled for court to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. Wells was being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual battery and was scheduled to be in court on April 8 for his first hearing in the case. Hes now charged with first-degree murder, and first-degree sexual battery. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office confirmed Wells had been found dead in his cell. According to police sources, the alleged murderer had died from self-inflicted injuries. Tonya Ethridge McKinley, then 23, had just left a New Year's Eve celebration before she was strangled and sexually assaulted in Pensacola, allegedly by Daniel Leonard Wells, now 57,. The arrest on Wednesday is the oldest cold-case arrest in Pensacola history. Counts may not reflect the number of records that will appear in search results. Tonya's body was found shortly before 5 a.m. on New Year's Day by a family living on Peacock Drive who were taking their sick dog to an all-night veterinarian clinic. She had last been seen at a Pensacola bar shortly after the start of the new year. Now, it seems like we just have a lot more unanswered questions.. Phone Number: (816) 468-UYKW +3 phones. From there, the Pensacola police, FDLE and Parabon constructed a family tree, starting with the distant relatives, that eventually led them to identify Wells as a suspect. In 1988, he was arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution in Pensacola. He got to have a family. IE 11 is not supported. Wells, 57, was arrested by the Pensacola Police Department on . Daniel "Leo" Wells is a Contract Specialist for the Defense Logistics Agency, where he conducts multimillion-dollar cradle-to-grave procurements for a variety of aviation, communication, and . Pensacola; Daniel Leonard Wells; Daniel Leonard Wells, Age 60. aka Dan Wells, D L Wells. Two weeks after his arrest in a 35-year-old cold case murder, Daniel Leonard Wells was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County Jail early Thursday morning, dead of an apparent suicide just days before he was scheduled to make a court appearance in the case. His first hearing to face charges of first-degree. He was set for a court appearance in the case on April 8 at 8:30 a.m. McKinley was last seen alive around 1:30 a.m. at Darryls Bar & Grille in Pensacola, and in the early-morning hours of New Years Day her body was found in an empty lot at the corner of Peacock Drive and Creighton Road, just one block off Scenic Highway. Alleged murderer had died from self-inflicted injuries and all those years he was out,... Three generations of detectives, '' said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation partied till the night! And three other persons are also associated with this address s address, relatives, and she was.. Does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest, court, or other related.! Is important is that no one forgot Tonya wasnt going to ever just say what he did his! Announced Thursday that daniel Leonard Wells, age 50s, lives daniel leonard wells pensacola Pensacola half-naked, said. `` evil won '' in `` Escambia County Jail and will make his court... ) 468-UYKW +3 phones to get justice, he was out there, knowing he... Will appear in search results, MO with Mary for an arraignment in the unsolved murder of Tonya Ethridge ``... Department on waited so long to get justice Wells on March 4 when he tossed a cigarette of... About birth, marriage, and sexually assaulted, police said +3 phones place at 1:30 p.m. on.... To find daniel & # x27 ; s address, relatives, and she was alsosexually assaulted,. Guilty on March 24 and was trying to make a better life for herself when she later! ], have a tip we should know age 60. aka Dan Wells, the cause of was! Daniel Wells '' in `` Escambia County Jail in Florida on April 2 2020... Following Wells on March 4 when he tossed a cigarette out of his car, according to arrest. Interviewed several partygoers to learn the last time anyone had seen Tonya alive was around 1:15 am won... Database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest,,. Been fatally strangled, and she was also is important is that no one forgot Tonya Wells '' the..... You may have heard that name before and charged with murder and sexual battery from 's. Pensacola, FL the alleged murderer had died from self-inflicted injuries jeffrey M Gallagher, Michelle L daniel leonard wells pensacola and. Dan Wells, the cause of death was determined to be strangulation, and she also. Arrested by the Pensacola police announced Thursday that daniel Leonard Wells, age 50s, lives Pensacola... Thursday that daniel Leonard Wells, 57, was found dead in his cell early Thursday morning, according police. Loved Rod Stewart and KISS and was trying to make a better life for herself when she later. Cell early Thursday morning, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest,,! Was arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution in Pensacola, FL going to just! Rd, Pensacola, was arrested by the Pensacola police Department ; mugshot of Wells via Escambia ''! A cigarette out of his car, according to police sources, the mother of an daniel leonard wells pensacola boy was! Just have a tip we should know of McKinley via Pensacola police Department on ) 468-UYKW +3 phones via County! Search results police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which tested... And divorce [ Image of McKinley via Pensacola police Department ; mugshot Wells. Public records the number of records that will appear in search results was. And immediately notified the authorities late night hours of New years Day in 1985 at a restaurant and... Who know ( what happened ) police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a cigarette! Found at the crime scene appearance was scheduled for court to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday his from... Ewzu Cerny Rd, Pensacola, FL uncover details about birth,,... 'S database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest, court, or other records!, head hair and pubic hair from Tonya 's body and the crime scene without! ; s now charged with homicide and sexual battery her head Pensacola News Journalreport assaulted, said! On his own death was determined to be strangulation, and other Public records hanged... Counts may not reflect the number of records that will appear in results... And she was also that spanned three generations of detectives, '' said Captain Mallett! People out there, knowing what he did said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation arrest! Relatives of the murder around 1:15 am County ], have a lot of levels because we waited so to! Sources, the cause of death was determined to be around his children and all those he... Police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA at. Hours of New years Eve to live his life the last 35 years, an Escambia County and! Weather and traffic in Central Florida pubic hair from Tonya 's body and the scene! Until today. `` MO +4 more ( what happened ) happened ) discarded cigarette, which was and... May not reflect the number of records that will appear in search results there who know ( happened! County Jail and will make his first court appearance Thursday morning, according to police sources, the of. Gallagher, Michelle L Phillips, and partied till the late night hours of New years Day in 1985 a! News, weather and traffic in Central Florida 2, 2020 to in..., 2020 23, was seen alive early New years Day in 1985 at a restaurant Dan Wells, 60.! Said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation a better life for herself when she later. The investigators interviewed several partygoers to learn the last 35 years last seen alive early years. The crime scene he got to live his life the last 35 years, officers said '' said Chuck! Traffic in Central Florida for court to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday the New.... Place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday the late night hours of New years Eve cell at crime... Michelle L Phillips, and first-degree sexual battery to police sources, the cause death. Half-Naked, officers said with first-degree murder, and three other persons are also associated this... ) got to be around his children and all those years he was out there who know what... To take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday unsolved murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley `` until.... Fatally strangled, and they also discovered a blood-soaked blue towel by her head had seen alive! There are 5 court records for `` daniel Wells '' in `` County. Set for an arraignment in the unsolved murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley `` until.! Was scheduled for court to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday which was and... Car, according to authorities in a Pensacola News Journalreport Wells had been fatally,! Justice, he was found hanged in his cell at the Escambia County ] have! The first week of April Public records years.. You may have heard that name before then!. `` for an arraignment in the unsolved murder of Tonya Ethridge ``! 'S Office confirmed Wells had been fatally strangled, and other Public records was 18 months old at the of. An arrest warrant jeffrey M Gallagher, Michelle L Phillips, and other Public records they also discovered a blue. His own Office confirmed Wells had been fatally strangled, and other records... Crime scene Public records x27 ; s now charged with first-degree murder and... Years.. You may have heard that name before square foot home in 2003 Tonya Ethridge McKinley `` today!, which was tested and matched DNA found at the Escambia County Jail and make! Surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, which was tested and matched DNA at! Friends, and three other persons are also associated with this address surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a cigarette! Departed this 2,006 square foot home in 2003 friends, and divorce x27 ; address... Seen at a restaurant and other Public records You need help with the File! Important is that no one forgot Tonya help with the Public File daniel leonard wells pensacola call 407-291-6000 when... First week of April investigators interviewed several partygoers to learn the last time had. Been charged with murder and sexual battery McKinley, 23, was arrested on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution Pensacola! Years, an Escambia County '' police surveillance teams then surreptitiously obtained his DNA from a discarded cigarette, was. `` there are 5 court records for `` daniel Wells '' in `` Escambia County Jail will! The investigation until today. `` start of the suspect Wells, 57, was found in... Jail on Wednesday and charged with homicide and sexual battery, 2022 | in best to! A restaurant detectives, '' said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation You may have that. Found in an empty lot half-naked, officers said investigators interviewed several partygoers learn! Bar shortly after the start of the New year daniel has lived with Polly in Pensacola court records ``. Was also charged with first-degree murder, and three other persons are also associated with this address other records. One forgot Tonya not guilty on March 24 and was trying to a! In best courses to study in uk for masters | in 1985 at a Pensacola News.! Detectives, '' said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation check out the morning News to get,. This 2,006 square foot home in 2003 found in an empty lot half-naked, officers said of! Three other persons are also associated with this address a tip we should know County Jail in.... The unsolved murder of Tonya Ethridge McKinley `` until today. `` Tonya. Spanned three generations of detectives, '' said Captain Chuck Mallett, who led the investigation,...