SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. -- Authorities in Sarasota County said DNA testing helped them solve a 1999 murder and make an arrest.

  • Deborah Dalzell was found dead inside home in March 1999
  • Co-workers reported she was missing that day
  • 39-year-old Luke Fleming, 20 years old at the time, charged

Luke Fleming, 39, was identified as the suspect in the slaying of Deborah Dalzell.

The arrest was announced Wednesday.

"We have all waited 19 years for this news," said Peggy Thistle, Dalzell's sister. "Nineteen years of graduations, weddings, new babies and family milestones that Deborah has missed. We miss Deborah everyday." 

The Sheriff's Office said the incident happened on March 29, 1999. Co-workers of Dalzell reported that she didn't show up for work, so deputies responded to her home.

Dalzell was found inside and had been beaten, sexually battered and strangled, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Office.

DNA evidence helped investigators identify Fleming, who was 20 at the time of the murder and lived within walking distance of Dalzell's home.

"[Fleming's] arrest didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t easy tracking him down," said Sarasota Sheriff Tom Knight. "But thanks to DNA evidence coupled ancestry within genealogy, we have finally connected the dots the detectives have been working on for almost two decades."

Fleming made his first court appearance this week. He is charged with murder and sexual battery with great bodily harm.

He is being held under $1.2 million.

"This is a very significant day for Deborah's family, for our community and our detectives," said Sheriff Tom Knight. "I can’t imagine what it feels like to spend nearly twenty years with unanswered questions related to such a heinous crime. My thoughts are with Deborah’s family as I hope this resolution will eventually bring them the closure they need and deserve."

After almost two decades, Dalzell's family just wants justice for her.

"For 20 years he has been able to see the sun, breathe the air, smell flowers, may today be the last day," said Knight. "And by the way, happy birthday, Deborah, Friday is her birthday. We love you."