BETHANY, Okla. – A case that has gone unsolved for nearly two decades has finally been closed.
In 1997, 19-year-old Tiffany Johnston was abducted from the Sunshine Car Wash in Bethany.
The next day, July 27, her body was found just south of I-40 in Canadian County.
According to the medical examiner’s office, Johnston was strangled to death.
At the time, biological evidence was taken from Johnston’s body.
William Lewis Reece, who frequented the car wash, admitted to investigators that he knew Johnston’s family, but investigators were not able to link the crime to him.
Until now.
Advancements in DNA testing resulted in a match to the 56-year-old, according to investigators.
“We are thrilled that charges are being filed in this case. Tiffany’s murder devastated the community at the time. We are truly thankful that such a disturbing case like this is solved and justice will be served,” Chief Phil Cole, with the Bethany Police Department.
Reece is currently serving time in Texas for aggravated kidnapping and theft.
He also spent time in an Oklahoma prison for rape.