Brutal Homicide Solved After Two Decades ‘We Are Absolutely Positive That the Right Man Is Behind Bars’

Sherry Holtz was brutally killed in 1999, and for over two decades, her murder went unsolved — until now. Thanks to advancements in DNA testing technology, Holtz’s “longtime boyfriend” Gary Durrance, 73, has been arrested and charged in connection with her murder, the Sanford Police Department announced in a press conference on July 19.

Holtz’s body was discovered on December 4, 1999, in a wooded area in Sanford, Florida, by a person collecting cans. Holtz, who was 50 years old at the time, was found lying on her back on a concrete slab. The investigation revealed she had suffered a brutal death: her neck was cut, which was determined to be her primary cause of death, along with blunt force trauma to the head, strangulation, lacerations on her upper body, and severe sexual trauma.

“There is no other way to describe it but a brutal homicide,” said Bianca Gillett, a public information officer for the Sanford Police Department. Initially, a sexual assault kit was performed, but no DNA was found. A blood-stained knife recovered at the scene proved unhelpful at the time because the sample was “insufficient in size for testing,” according to the police.

“Looking for DNA wasn’t as prolific as it is today,” explained Chief of Police Cecil E. Smith. The cold case was reopened in May 2023, leading to a breakthrough. Investigators discovered that the blood on the blade of the knife belonged to Holtz, and additional DNA on the handle belonged to Durrance.

Durrance had been a suspect in the original 1999 investigation after police learned that he and Holtz had fought, and he had kicked her out of their shared home on December 2, just days before her murder. They also had a history of domestic violence incidents dating back to 1996.

With new physical evidence and witness statements, an arrest warrant was issued for Durrance on July 17. He was arrested the following day and charged with second-degree homicide. He is currently being held in Seminole County Jail. It is unclear if Durrance has legal representation to comment on his behalf.

Following his arrest, police reported that Durrance made comments to investigators allegedly admitting to his involvement in Holtz’s homicide. “We are absolutely positive that the right man is behind bars tonight,” Gillett stated. “And he will finally serve justice and have to answer for his crimes.” Police also noted that Holtz has an adult son, whom they are working to contact and notify about the arrest.

“We just kind of hope that this brings some peace to the family knowing that this individual who was a longtime boyfriend will now spend the rest of his natural life in jail,” Smith said. “And have the opportunity to face justice for the things that he has committed to Sherry.”