The 1983 cold case of Dorthy “Toby” Tate’s murder has been closed, according to a San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office announcement released this week. Tate was murdered at 40 years old during a vacation in SLO County with her 2 dogs, according to archival SLO Tribune coverage.
Unsolved Homicide Detective Clint Cole solved the case by using “modern investigative techniques, including advanced DNA genealogy analysis,” according to the release. Cole previously worked on the Kristin Smart and Nancy Woodrum cases.
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The sheriff’s office announced that DNA analysis of blood found at the crime scene was used to confirm Steven Richard Hadley as a “contributor” in the murder. Additionally, analysis of finger prints identified on a Coca-Cola can and other evidence at the crime scene helped to identify Charley Sneed as another suspect in the case.
Tate, originally from Estes Park, Colorado, was found shot in her van on Highway 1, 3 miles north of Hearst Castle, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Tate is long believed to have been killed during a burglary attempt by the two suspects, according to the release.
Cole determined Steven Richard Hadley and Charley Sneed “involved in the murder of Tate beyond a reasonable doubt,” according to the press release.
“This case demonstrates the power of modern forensic science and the commitment of Detective Cole, who never stopped working to bring justice to victims and their families,” said Sheriff Ian Parkinson in the press release.
Both suspects, previously residents of Texas, have since died leading the case to be closed as “exceptionally cleared,” according to the release.