RETURN TO CHANNEL

Search Captions & Ask AI

"48 Hours" on the search for answers in Montana teen's 1996 death

February 07, 2025 / 02:35

This episode of 48 Hours covers the mysterious death of 15-year-old Danny Howchin in Montana in 1996, the investigation into her disappearance, and the eventual identification of a suspect.

Correspondent Peter Van Sant reports on the case, detailing how Danny went missing after a walk by a river near Bozeman, Montana. Her body was later found in a swampy area, initially ruled an accident.

Stephanie Molette, Danny's younger sister, shares her memories and the impact of Danny's disappearance on her family. She vowed to uncover the truth about her sister's death.

After years of investigation, retired LAPD investigator Tom Elfmont was brought in to re-examine the case. He ordered new DNA tests and utilized genealogical expertise, leading to the identification of a suspect named Paul Hutchinson.

The episode highlights the emotional journey of the family and the community's reaction as they grapple with the revelations about Danny's death.

TLDR

The episode investigates the 1996 death of Danny Howchin, revealing new evidence and a suspect after years of mystery.

Episode

2:35

00:00:01

this week's 48 Hours investigates the mysterious death of a Montana teen in 1996 15-year-old Danny howchin

00:00:08

disappeared after going for a walk by a river hours later her body was found in a swampy area investigators at first

00:00:14

said it could have been an accident but years later her family learned a truth 48 Hours correspondent Peter vanan

00:00:21

reports Stephanie molette was just 12 years old the day her sister Dany disappeared Danny was my older

00:00:32

sister mom the kind of older sister that every little sister looks up to nice stuff sit there 15-year-old Danny hin

00:00:42

had gone to this fishing area near Boseman Montana did she come down this very path

00:00:49

we're standing on now yeah actually her keys and her water bottle were found probably literally about right where

00:00:55

we're standing dany's body was discovered in a swampy area Stephanie and Danny's friend rashelle

00:01:04

shut says everyone in town had questions about what happened the rumor started flying of maybe it was a murder and then

00:01:14

we're all like what when the Gallatin County Sheriff's Department said it could have been an accident Stephanie

00:01:21

set out to find the truth I promis myself I promis my sister I'm coming for you Danny years passed

00:01:30

finally under pressure from Stephanie almost 27 years after Danny's death the sheriff's department recruited a retired

00:01:39

Los Angeles police investigator Tom elfmont I just don't give up on something I just don't do it elfmont

00:01:47

went through the old case ordered new DNA tests and used a genealogical expert and it worked he got a name Paul

00:01:57

Hutchinson soon after with body Cam's rolling elfmont would confront the suspect he Paul and in an incredible

00:02:06

twist of fate turns out Stephanie's friend rashelle knew him it took a little bit of time for it to go oh no oh

00:02:16

no oh my gosh no way wow you can watch Peter Van xan's 48 Hours report it's about Danny tomorrow

00:02:28

night at 9 at 109 Central here on CBS and streaming on Paramount Plus

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

80
Most shocking
80
Biggest twist
75
Most heartbreaking
75
Most surprising

Episode Highlights

A Sister's Promise
Stephanie Molette vows to uncover the truth behind her sister's death, nearly 27 years later.
“I promise myself, I promise my sister, I'm coming for you, Danny.”
@ 01m 28s
February 07, 2025
A Shocking Connection
In a twist of fate, Stephanie discovers her friend Rashelle knew the suspect in her sister's case.
“Oh no, oh my gosh, no!”
@ 02m 12s
February 07, 2025

Episode Quotes

I promise myself, I promise my sister, I'm coming for you, Danny.
"48 Hours" on the search for answers in Montana teen's 1996 death

Key Moments

Family's Quest for Truth01:21
New Evidence01:39
Shocking Revelation02:12

Words per Minute Over Time

Vibes Breakdown