Decades After A Widow Was Raped And Murdered In Indiana, Police Say They Nabbed The Suspect

More than 25 years after a 69-year-old woman was brutally murdered in Indiana, police say they have arrested a suspect.

On Oct. 18, FBI officials in Indiana announced the arrest of Gerald Lynn Smith, 60. He was charged in connection to the death of Gloria Hansell.

The victim was found strangled inside her Gary, Indiana, home on June 17, 1994, according to the FBI. The widow lived alone and relied on an in-home oxygen machine due to poor health.

Police investigated, but the case went cold.

That was until 2020, when investigators re-examined evidence in the case. Smith was identified as a suspect after his DNA was linked to a sexual assault kit taken from the victim, according to the FBI.

Witnesses said Smith had gone to Hansell’s house at least twice in the weeks before the murder, according to the FBI. Smith asked if he could cut her grass for money, but she declined.

A witness said Smith also made an unwelcome advance toward Hansell inside her home when he tried to kiss her neck.

Smith now faces charges of murder, murder while committing or attempting to commit rape and a count of rape.