A Promise to Helene
- Sep 1, 2026
- 40:32
- Full Episode
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<p>When 21-year-old college student Helene Pruszynski is found murdered, the case remains cold for nearly forty years until a new detective uses an innovative method to catch Helene’s killer. Josh Mankiewicz reports.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Brief Summary
Helene Pruszynski's cold case is solved after 40 years through DNA evidence and a detective's persistence.
Key points
- A 40-Year Mission. A cold case mystery unfolds as a friend vows to find Helene's killer after decades.
- The Disappearance. Helene Pruszynski vanishes after leaving work, sparking a frantic search.
- The Chilling Confession. Two serial killers confess to Helene's murder, but inconsistencies arise.
- DNA Evidence Breakthrough. New DNA technology offers hope in solving Helene's cold case after decades.
- Detective's Determination. Detective Jensen pursues leads through genealogy to find Helene's killer.
- The DNA Match. A cousin's DNA leads investigators closer to the killer, revealing a family connection.
Episode highlights
- A 40-Year MissionA cold case mystery unfolds as a friend vows to find Helene's killer after decades.“For those nearly four decades, Kimberly LaTourette kept her promise.”1:48Sep 1, 2026
- The DisappearanceHelene Pruszynski vanishes after leaving work, sparking a frantic search.“That night, Helene Pruszynski never made it home.”5:50Sep 1, 2026
- The Chilling ConfessionTwo serial killers confess to Helene's murder, but inconsistencies arise.“She was stabbed to death and shot once, I think, in the head.”17:21Sep 1, 2026
- DNA Evidence BreakthroughNew DNA technology offers hope in solving Helene's cold case after decades.“The use of DNA evidence had become a revolutionary tool in criminal investigations.”19:44Sep 1, 2026
- Detective's DeterminationDetective Jensen pursues leads through genealogy to find Helene's killer.“I knew I was going to find him.”25:21Sep 1, 2026
- The DNA MatchA cousin's DNA leads investigators closer to the killer, revealing a family connection.“This is it, I'm on the right track.”26:02Sep 1, 2026
- The Shocking AdmissionJames Clanton admits to the murder during an interview, shocking investigators.“I did it. Okay, you did what? I killed the girl there accusing me of.”36:42Sep 1, 2026
- Justice After 40 YearsJames Clanton pleads guilty to Helene's murder, bringing closure to her family.“You finally have justice for Helene and her family.”39:47Sep 1, 2026
Episode quotes
Tension
85/ 100High tension
