REOPENED: License To Kill
Digest
This episode of Cold Case Files tells the story of two murders that occurred in Ontario in 1970. Dorian Morby, a former nurse, was found murdered in her home, and less than two weeks later, Helen Ferguson, also a former nurse, was murdered in her home. Both women were sexually assaulted and shot to death. The murders shocked the small communities where they occurred, and despite extensive investigation, the cases went cold. In 1995, a series of robberies in the area led investigators to Ronald Glenn West, a former police officer who had a history of arrests for battery and drug possession. West was convicted of the robberies, and while he was in prison, a new couple who had purchased his former home found gun permits in his name. The permits led investigators to a 22-caliber pistol that was believed to be the murder weapon. DNA testing confirmed that West was the killer, and he was finally charged with the murders in 1999. The episode highlights the dedication of the investigators who worked on the case for decades, as well as the impact of the crimes on the victims' families and communities.
Outlines
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The Murders
This Chapter introduces the two murders that occurred in Ontario in 1970. Dorian Morby, a former nurse, was found murdered in her home, and less than two weeks later, Helen Ferguson, also a former nurse, was murdered in her home. Both women were sexually assaulted and shot to death. The murders shocked the small communities where they occurred, and despite extensive investigation, the cases went cold.
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The Robbery Investigation
This Chapter focuses on the robbery investigation that led to the arrest of Ronald Glenn West. A series of robberies in the area led investigators to West, a former police officer who had a history of arrests for battery and drug possession. West was convicted of the robberies, and while he was in prison, a new couple who had purchased his former home found gun permits in his name. The permits led investigators to a 22-caliber pistol that was believed to be the murder weapon.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Cold Case Solved
This Chapter details how the cold case was finally solved. Investigators were able to link West to the murders through DNA evidence found on a letter he had written to his wife while he was in prison. The DNA evidence was a match to the DNA found at the crime scenes, and West was finally charged with the murders in 1999.
Keywords
Ronald Glenn West
Ronald Glenn West was a former police officer who was convicted of two murders and five counts of armed robbery. He was arrested in 1995 for the robberies and was later linked to the murders through DNA evidence. West was sentenced to ten years in prison for the robberies and was also charged with the murders.
Cold Case Files
Cold Case Files is a podcast that tells the stories of unsolved crimes that have been reopened and solved. The podcast features interviews with investigators, victims' families, and other people involved in the cases. Cold Case Files is hosted by Brookgettings and produced by McKamie Lynn and Steve Dallamater.
Ontario
Ontario is a province in Canada. It is the most populous province in Canada, with a population of over 14 million people. Ontario is home to the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, as well as the largest city in Canada, Toronto. Ontario is known for its diverse population, its beautiful natural landscapes, and its strong economy.
DNA Evidence
DNA evidence is a type of forensic evidence that can be used to identify individuals. DNA is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions for an organism. Every individual has a unique DNA profile, which can be used to identify them. DNA evidence is often used in criminal investigations to link suspects to crime scenes.
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. It is a serious crime that can result in a life sentence in prison. Murder can be committed in a variety of ways, including shooting, stabbing, poisoning, and suffocation.
Robbery
Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or putting the person or persons in fear.
Forensic Science
Forensic science is the application of science to law. It is used to investigate crimes and to provide evidence in court. Forensic scientists use a variety of techniques to analyze evidence, including DNA testing, fingerprint analysis, and ballistics.
Police
The police are a law enforcement agency that is responsible for maintaining order and enforcing the law. Police officers are trained to investigate crimes, arrest suspects, and protect the public. The police are an important part of any society, and they play a vital role in keeping communities safe.
Q&A
What led investigators to Ronald Glenn West as a suspect in the murders?
A series of robberies in the area led investigators to West, a former police officer who had a history of arrests for battery and drug possession. West was convicted of the robberies, and while he was in prison, a new couple who had purchased his former home found gun permits in his name. The permits led investigators to a 22-caliber pistol that was believed to be the murder weapon.
How was West finally linked to the murders?
DNA evidence found on a letter West had written to his wife while he was in prison was a match to the DNA found at the crime scenes. This evidence was enough to charge West with the murders.
What impact did the murders have on the communities where they occurred?
The murders shocked the small communities where they occurred, and despite extensive investigation, the cases went cold. The fear and uncertainty caused by the murders had a lasting impact on the residents of these communities.
What was the significance of the gun permits found in West's former home?
The gun permits led investigators to a 22-caliber pistol that was believed to be the murder weapon. This was a crucial piece of evidence that helped to link West to the murders.
What was the role of DNA evidence in solving the case?
DNA evidence was crucial in solving the case. DNA found on a letter West had written to his wife while he was in prison was a match to the DNA found at the crime scenes. This evidence was enough to charge West with the murders.