NEW WINDSOR – Nearly 25 years after the murder of Nancy Smith, a breakthrough in DNA technology has led authorities to identify her suspected killer as Robert Young, formerly of Dutchess County. Smith, 32, was killed in 2001, and a single hair found on her clothing became the key to solving the long-cold case. Young, then 33, was a musician who often performed at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, a venue Smith regularly visited.
“In a significant breakthrough, DNA evidence collected at the time of Nancy’s death was found to be consistent with a 58-year-old man residing in South Carolina. Several days after investigators interviewed the suspect, he was found deceased in his apartment from an apparent suicide,” said New Windsor Police Chief Daniel Valeri. “Over 40 investigators have followed close to a thousand leads and conducted over 500 interviews in pursuit of answers to this horrendous crime.”
In 2023, the hair was tested against more than 65 DNA samples, but none matched.
Advancements in forensic and genealogical techniques led investigators to new leads, including a person of interest in South Carolina. In 2024, New Windsor Police and the FBI traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they obtained a DNA sample from Young. The sample matched the evidence from the crime scene, although Young denied involvement in Smith’s death.
As recently as two months ago, investigators were conducting interviews across four states to close the case.
“Today’s announcement represents nearly 25 years of unwavering determination, relentless investigative work and an unbreakable commitment to seeking justice for Nancy Smith and her family,” said State Police Captain Brad Natalizio of the Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “These cold cases do not end when a detective leaves the office for the night. They stay with them. Detectives spend years revisiting evidence and constantly asking themselves what they may have missed. And they carry these victims and their families with them for decades.”
Smith’s sister, Barbara Stolfe, said their parents died in 2024 without knowing who killed their daughter. She said Smith, an avid concertgoer, was familiar with her attacker. “I have to say I didn’t think this day would ever come. I would like to express my family’s appreciation to everyone who worked on this case over the years and to all the people who cared enough and were brave enough to contact the police with tips,” said Stolfe. “I will tell you that the pain really doesn’t get any better, and it never goes away. While nothing will bring Nancy back, we have some relief, finally knowing who did this to her and why. More importantly, there is peace in knowing that this person cannot take another life and cause such pain to another family.”
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