BEAVER (KDKA)  – It took over 30 years, but police have arrested a man in connection with the 1979 murder of a Beaver County woman.

According to police, 65-year-old Gregory Scott Hopkins was arrested on Sunday.

Hopkins is being charged with criminal homicide in the death of 23-year-old Catherine Walsh, of Monaca.

“It’s finally come to an end,” Beaver County District Attorney Anthony Berosh said. “A promise was kept to Pete and his family and a secret now is revealed.”

According to criminal complaint, Hopkins admitted to having a relationship with Walsh in 1979. Walsh’s father went her to her apartment to check on her when she did not show up to work.

He found in her in her bed and he thought she was asleep at first. However, he then discovered cord tied around her hands and a scarf wrapped around her neck.

According to KDKA-TV’s Harold Hayes, police were able to tie spermatozoa on bed sheets and rope to Hopkins.

Hopkins is a councilman in Bridgewater.

“Quiet, keeps to himself, he’s a business man, so … unbelievable,” Max Strano, of Bridgewater, said.

On Monday, her father thanked all those involved in the investigation.

Walsh’s brother said this is the beginning of trying to find closure for the family.

“We actually received a call just a couple of days ago that there was some pending action. They actually went to visit my father at his residence yesterday, and then they called me after they were done with him to give me the same information,” Francesco Caltieri said.

Hopkins has a preliminary hearing scheduled for next week.

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
More Beaver County News
More Reports From Harold Hayes