BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM/AP) In 1992, just two months after she graduated with honors from Tufts University. Lena Bruce's body was discovered by Barbara Eden, her roommate.
Bruce was brutally raped and murdered.
Over the many years since hope faded that her killer would be caught. Then, two years ago, DNA submitted by habitual criminal James Witowski got the wheels on the cold case turning again.
On Thursday, the 45-year-old killer from Boston was sent away for life with no possibly for parole and Bruce's sorority sisters were among those that packed the courtroom.
Lena Bruce's parents and one of her brothers died in the quarter century between her murder and justice being served.
Prosecutors say Witkowski was homeless when he killed 21-year-old Bruce in her home in the city's South End. Her death was unsolved until DNA under her fingernails was matched to Witkowski in 2015.
Witkowski’s lawyer had argued no evidence puts Witkowski in the apartment at the time of the killing.\
The Associated Press contributed to this report
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Kendall Buhl report