According to Michigan State Police, recent advancements in DNA testing have led investigators to identify 75-year-old Roni Collins of Grand Blanc as the individual responsible for the death of Elliott. Authorities stated that the breakthrough came after previously unavailable or inconclusive forensic evidence was reanalyzed using updated technology, ultimately producing a definitive match. This development provided long-awaited answers in a case that had remained unresolved for years.
However, investigators also confirmed that Collins died by suicide in January 2026, prior to their ability to request or obtain a voluntary DNA sample directly from him. As a result, law enforcement relied on alternative means to confirm the genetic connection, though they expressed confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the findings. The confirmation effectively closes the investigation, even though Collins was never formally interviewed or charged in connection with the case during his lifetime.
Officials emphasized that while the resolution brings a measure of closure, it also underscores the tragic circumstances surrounding both Elliott’s death and Collins’ apparent suicide. The case highlights the growing role of advanced forensic science in solving cold cases and delivering answers to families and communities.
