Notorious 'I-65' serial killer finally identified over 30 years on using DNA

On Tuesday, Indiana State Police announced that the cold case had been solved.

The serial killer murdered three women and raped a fourth at motels along Interstate 65 in both Indiana and Kentucky between 1987 and 1990.

Harry Edward Greenwell, an Iowa man who died of cancer aged 68 in 2013, was named as the infamous slayer.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Glen Fifield told the media: “Greenwell had an extensive criminal history and had been in and out of prison several times, even escaping from jail on two separate occasions.

“He was known to travel frequently in the Midwest.”

Forensic evidence tied the killer to the 1987 murder of Vicki Heath (41) and the 1989 murders of Margaret Gill and Jeanne Gilbert, both aged 24.

Vicki Heath was shot and killed as she worked the night shift at a hotel in Kentucky.

While Margaret and Jeanne were shot and raped on the same day as they worked at two different Days Inns hotels located 50 miles away from each other.

Investigators said that Greenwell also sexually assaulted a 21-year-old woman as she worked at an Indiana Days Inn a year later.

“This victim was able to escape her attacker and survive. She was later able to give an excellent physical description of the suspect and details of the crime,” Fifield explained.

“She is the only known victim to have survived the vicious, brutal attacks of this killer.”

Investigators used genetic genealogy to lead them to Greenwell and to declare with almost 100% certainty that he was responsible for all four crimes.

Jeanne’s sister Kimberly said she is still in her family's hearts.

“We talk about her as if she hasn’t gone. My brother and I were fortunate enough to have spent the last seven months of her life living with her and experiencing the joy that she could bring to every day of our life.”