Police track suspect through DNA

Rochester police have announced the arrest in a murder case more than 30 years old.

“There is no greater feeling than to knock on someone's door and say 'we have a warrant for your arrest',” said Police Chief David Moore at a press conference.

James Everette Pressler was arrested in Key West, Fl., Tuesday.

“Justice is long overdue,” said Mike Green, the Monroe County district attorney.

It was DNA that led to Pressler’s arrest. Police in Florida say they were tipped off to Pressler and were following him. Police took a cigarette he butted out and tested it, and police say it was that DNA that connected Pressler to the sexual assault and murder of 7-year-old Michelle McMurray.

“Using testing and information developed by the lab, we were able to make a connection and ultimately solve this case,” Green said.

Rochester police did interview Pressler back in 1976. He was the superintendent of the building where Michelle and her mother lived. Police say they did not have enough evidence to tie him to the murder then, but a combination of factors finally led investigators to Pressler now.

“DNA tells you part of the story,” Green said. “People, investigators, evidence, and witnesses fill in the rest of that story.”

And investigators say they hope the arrest gives the little girl’s family some closure and an end to a horrific story.

“They're grateful we never gave up hope and they never did,” Sergeant Mark Maiano said. “Sometimes family members think we're going to forget about it, but we never did.”