Navy Vet Was Murdered in 1987. Suspect Recently Gave DNA Sample, Then Died by Suicide Days Later

**Cold Case Murder Solved After 39 Years as DNA Evidence Links Suspect to Crime**

In a significant development regarding a long-unsolved murder, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office has identified Gary Wayne Billups as the prime suspect in the death of 54-year-old Orison James “Jim” Chafin. This announcement concludes a case that has lingered unresolved since Chafin’s tragic death in 1987.

According to the Attorney General’s recent statement, Billups, who was 68 years old, took his own life on June 24, 2023, just five days after providing a DNA sample to investigators looking into the cold case. It was later confirmed through laboratory testing that Billups’ DNA matched samples collected from the crime scene.

Chafin, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, was found dead in the Resthaven Cemetery located near 63rd Avenue and Northern Avenue in Glendale on August 8, 1987. His body was discovered in a state of disarray; he had suffered a slashed throat and was only seen wearing a pair of socks. For a considerable period, the circumstances surrounding his death left authorities perplexed and community members yearning for justice.

The breakthrough in the case came after the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit, in conjunction with the Glendale Police Department, revisited the investigation in 2025. They scrutinised the original case file, conducted fresh interviews with surviving witnesses, and finally pinpointed Billups. Notably, he had lived in Glendale during the period surrounding Chafin’s murder but had not been interviewed by police at the time of the original investigation.

In March of the following year, investigators attempted to question Billups, but he declined to provide any information. However, by June 19, police managed to find him in the West Valley, and he voluntarily visited the Surprise Police Department. During this interview, he claimed he had no connection to Chafin or the events surrounding his death, despite clear evidence suggesting otherwise, including his prior residency in the area.

During Billups’ interaction with investigators, he supplied a DNA sample that ultimately matched biological evidence—including beer bottles and cigarette butts—recovered from the crime scene. Notably, the matching evidence was crucial in affirming his involvement in the case.

Tragically, Billups ended his life only a few days later, and as a result, the Attorney General’s release made it clear that no criminal charges could be pursued against him. Furthermore, two other individuals who were investigated in connection with the case have also since passed away, rendering further inquiries impossible.

In a statement released on September 15, Attorney General Kris Mayes expressed relief and gratitude for finally identifying a suspect in Chafin’s murder. “For over 39 years, Jim Chafin’s murder went unsolved. He was a veteran who served his country and he died alone in a cemetery. For a long time, it seemed the person responsible would never be named,” said Mayes. “Today we can say who was involved in his death. That is possible because Glendale detectives preserved the evidence in 1987 and because our investigators refused to let this case stay cold. No victim in Arizona should be forgotten, no matter how long it takes to find answers.”

The identification of Billups as a suspect has been met with mixed emotions. While some community members are relieved to finally have closure on this tragic case, they also feel sorrow for the long wait for justice. Chafin’s family and friends, who have spent decades dealing with the loss, can now at least take some comfort in seeing that progress was made in the investigation of his death.

As law enforcement officials continue to seek answers for unresolved cases, the tragic story of Orison James “Jim” Chafin serves as a reminder of the complexity of such investigations and the lengths to which cold case units will go to ensure that victims are not forgotten. The integration of modern forensic techniques, including DNA analysis, has proven to be a vital tool in solving cold cases, bringing both closure and justice to families affected by violent crimes.

This case also underscores the importance of preserving evidence and the dedication shown by investigators to bring light to long-forgotten tragedies.