She Was Strangled in Her Bedroom with No Witnesses. Some Suspected Ted Bundy — But Real Killer Was Just Steps Away

Rita Curran’s Cold Case Finally Cracked After 51 Years

The horrific murder of Rita Curran in 1971 sent shockwaves through the community of Burlington, Vermont. For over five decades, the question of who would want to harm the beloved middle school teacher haunted her friends and family. Finally, in 2023, a breakthrough in the case using DNA evidence led to the identification of the long-sought killer, bringing closure to Curran’s loved ones.

Described as a talented individual who touched the lives of many, Curran was not just a teacher but also a singer and a kind-hearted person. On the night of her death, she returned home from a barbershop quartet practice, only to be brutally attacked later that evening. Her body was discovered by her roommates, who found her beaten, sexually assaulted, and strangled.

One key piece of evidence found near Curran’s body was a cigarette butt, which lay unnoticed for years until advancements in forensic technology enabled investigators to extract DNA from it. This led authorities to William DeRoos, Curran’s upstairs neighbor at the time of the murder. Despite initial speculation linking the case to notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, it was ultimately DeRoos who was responsible for Curran’s tragic demise.

DeRoos, who had lived in the apartment above Curran with his wife Michelle, managed to evade justice for decades. His wife provided an alibi for him, claiming he was with her on the night of the murder. However, further investigation revealed inconsistencies in Michelle’s statements, leading to the discovery of DeRoos’ involvement in Curran’s death.

After the murder, DeRoos made a radical life change, becoming a Buddhist monk in Thailand before returning to the US, where he met a tragic end in a San Francisco hotel room due to a drug overdose in 1989. Despite his demise, authorities are confident in his responsibility for Curran’s murder, although he was never held accountable in a court of law.

The resolution of Rita Curran’s case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of cold cases on families and communities. While justice may be delayed, advancements in technology can provide hope for resolution even decades after a crime is committed. The closure brought to Curran’s loved ones after years of uncertainty highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication in pursuing justice.

The tragic story of Rita Curran’s murder and the subsequent investigation into her death stand as a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement and the enduring resilience of those seeking answers in the face of tragedy. As her family finally finds closure after more than half a century, the memory of Rita Curran lives on as a reminder of the tenacity of the human spirit in the pursuit of justice and truth.