"48 Hours" on the search for answers in Montana teen's 1996 death | Forensic Files

this week's 48 Hours investigates the mysterious death of a Montana teen in 1996 15-year-old Danny howchin
disappeared after going for a walk by a river hours later her body was found in a swampy area investigators at first
said it could have been an accident but years later her family learned a truth 48 Hours correspondent Peter vanan
reports Stephanie molette was just 12 years old the day her sister Dany disappeared Danny was my older
sister mom the kind of older sister that every little sister looks up to nice stuff sit there 15-year-old Danny hin
had gone to this fishing area near Boseman Montana did she come down this very path
we're standing on now yeah actually her keys and her water bottle were found probably literally about right where
we're standing dany's body was discovered in a swampy area Stephanie and Danny's friend rashelle
shut says everyone in town had questions about what happened the rumor started flying of maybe it was a murder and then
we're all like what when the Gallatin County Sheriff's Department said it could have been an accident Stephanie
set out to find the truth I promis myself I promis my sister I'm coming for you Danny years passed
finally under pressure from Stephanie almost 27 years after Danny's death the sheriff's department recruited a retired
Los Angeles police investigator Tom elfmont I just don't give up on something I just don't do it elfmont
went through the old case ordered new DNA tests and used a genealogical expert and it worked he got a name Paul
Hutchinson soon after with body Cam's rolling elfmont would confront the suspect he Paul and in an incredible
twist of fate turns out Stephanie's friend rashelle knew him it took a little bit of time for it to go oh no oh
no oh my gosh no way wow you can watch Peter Van xan's 48 Hours report it's about Danny tomorrow
night at 9 at 109 Central here on CBS and streaming on Paramount Plus

For almost 30 years, the death of Danni Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Hours after the 15-year-old Montana girl disappeared during a walk by a river, her body was discovered face down in a swamp. Investigators first said they may have been dealing with an accidental death. As "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports, years later her family would learn the truth — and a much darker story emerged.

Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings" co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.

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Brief Summary

A Montana teen's mysterious death leads to a shocking suspect identification after 27 years.

Key points

The Mysterious Death of Danny Howchin. 48 Hours investigates the 1996 disappearance and death of 15-year-old Danny Howchin.
A Sister's Promise. Stephanie Molette vows to uncover the truth behind her sister's death.
A Shocking Connection. In a twist of fate, Stephanie discovers her friend knows the suspect.

Episode highlights

Episode quotes

I promise my sister I'm coming for you, Danny.

Stephanie's vow to find the truth about her sister's death.

1:28WatchFeb 7, 2025

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