Navy vet's murder solved after suspect who gave DNA dies by suicide
Summary
A murder from nearly 40 years ago has been solved after investigators matched DNA from the crime scene to a suspect who died by suicide shortly after giving a DNA sample. The victim was Navy veteran Orison James "Jim" Chafin, found dead in an Arizona cemetery in 1987.Key Facts
- Jim Chafin, a Navy veteran, was found murdered in Glendale, Arizona, on August 8, 1987.
- His throat was cut, and he was wearing only socks when discovered in a cemetery.
- Police initially found three male DNA profiles at the scene but did not match them to anyone for decades.
- The case was reopened in 2025, leading investigators to suspect Gary Wayne Billups, who had never been questioned before.
- Billups denied knowing Chafin and living in Glendale in 1987 but had records placing him there.
- Billups gave a DNA sample in June 2025, which matched the DNA from the crime scene.
- Billups died by suicide a few days after giving his DNA, preventing any charges.
- Law enforcement credited preserving evidence from 1987 and ongoing efforts for solving the cold case.
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