The search for justice in a decades-old cold case has culminated in a significant breakthrough, as authorities in Montana have identified a man they believe is responsible for the brutal murder of a teenage girl in 1978. Corina Contreraz, aged just 16, was last seen alive by her friends at a birthday party in Billings on 22 December that year. Tragically, she failed to reach her boyfriend’s house that night, and her body was discovered later by a school bus driver on the morning of 23 December.
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The grim circumstances surrounding Corina’s death were revealed by Captain Dan Paris of the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, who described the investigation into her murder. Contreraz had left the party around 3 am with the intention of walking approximately eight blocks to her boyfriend’s residence. Instead, she was found several miles away, having been subjected to sexual assault and stabbed 18 times.
The investigation into Corina’s murder spanned nearly five decades, during which law enforcement pursued numerous leads and theories in an effort to uncover the truth. Captain Paris noted that investigators explored a wide variety of possibilities, including looking into the lives of family members and acquaintances, but no concrete evidence emerged to shed light on the case.
However, in a remarkable twist, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office announced on 24 September that they had identified Angelo James Stallsmith Sr. as the prime suspect in the case. Stallsmith, who passed away in 1990 at 41 years of age, was linked to Corina’s murder through DNA evidence and advances in genetic genealogy.
Despite being present in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) since 2002, Stallsmith’s DNA had not resulted in a match until genetic genealogists revisited the case in early 2024. Their analysis provided crucial insights into Stallsmith’s family lineage, which led investigators to compile a list of potential suspects that could be connected to the crime.
As the investigation proceeded, authorities were able to eliminate Stallsmith’s relatives as possible suspects, but faced challenges due to the fact that he had been cremated, making direct DNA comparison impossible. To navigate this obstacle, investigators turned to fingerprint cards collected during previous encounters with law enforcement.
Through this creative approach, the investigators managed to locate several fingerprint cards from prior arrests, and a genetic analyst successfully extracted DNA from one of these specimens, dating back to 1982. Captain Paris expressed relief at the progress made in the case, stating, “Once we got the family name and we ran down him and all of his siblings, we were able to get some DNA from another family member that confirmed our family lineage.”
Stallsmith, who worked as a welder, was described by authorities as an individual who was familiar to law enforcement, with a history of various offences, the most notable being an arrest for illegally importing Copperhead snakes into Montana.
According to Captain Paris, the nature of Corina’s murder is thought to have been a “crime of opportunity.” The investigation into this heinous act serves as a reminder of the enduring pain felt by families of victims and the relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement agencies, even decades after the crime.
As the community reflects on this tragic chapter from 1978, many are hopeful that the identification of Stallsmith will bring some closure to the Contreraz family. Although questions remain regarding the specifics of the crime, authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served, no matter how long it takes.
The case of Corina Contreraz stands as a testament to the resilience of law enforcement and advances in forensic science, illuminating the path toward understanding and justice for victims and their families.