Peggy Hettrick: New DNA evidence in murder that led to improper Tim Masters conviction

In recent years, the 1987 murder of Fort Collins's Peggy Hettrick has been mentioned most often in relation to Tim Masters, who was improperly convicted of the crime, leading to settlements totaling $10 million. But the case remains unsolved -- which makes word of new evidence especially welcome...

By Michael Roberts

September 20, 2010

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In recent years, the 1987 murder of Fort Collins's Peggy Hettrick has been mentioned most often in relation to Tim Masters, who was improperly convicted of the crime, leading to settlements totaling $10 million.

But the case remains unsolved -- which makes word of new evidence especially welcome.

According to Mike Saccone, spokesman for Attorney General John Suthers's office, "We've been using touch-DNA technology to help us investigate this case. Obviously, anytime you have a new forensic technique, it moves the ball down the field -- and we feel that's happened in the Hettrick case."

The technique, which wasn't available at the time of the original investigation, isn't cheap. The AG's office contracted with Independent Forensic Services, a Dutch firm, for a price tag in the range of $100,000. Fortunately, the company found new DNA evidence on Hettrick's clothing.

At this point, Saccone is keeping details of that evidence hush-hush, citing the ongoing investigation. But he makes it clear that finding Hettrick's killer is deemed extremely important.

"The governor ordered us to take on this case," Saccone notes. "So it's clearly a high priority not only for the governor, but also for the office of the Attorney General."

Justice has already been done when it comes to Masters. Now it's Hettrick's turn.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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