Friday, September 27, 2013

'48 Hours' spurs new look at California killings

CBS’ “48 Hours” has provided a little bit of oil to help move the wheels of justice in a horrific cold case that languished for 32 agonizing years.


The killer of two California teens brutally murdered in 1980 may finally face the music after DNA evidence and 21st-century technology provided key evidence that led authorities to the real slayer.


The sordid tale unfolds at 10 p.m. (WCBS/Ch. 2) on Saturday’s season premiere.


“Did we solve the case? No,” said “48 Hours” executive producer Susan Zirinsky. “Did putting it on television help drive it a bit? Yes.”


For the last eight years, correspondent Troy Roberts has followed the case of Sabrina Gonsalves and John Riggins, who were headed to a birthday party 32 years ago but never made it. Police found their bodies about 30 miles away from Davis, Calif. Gonsalves had been sexually assaulted and Riggins had a head injury.


The case was never correctly solved, although several people were convicted and sent to prison for three years. They were released when new evidence pointed in a different direction.


“This case really speaks to who we [“48 Hours”] have evolved to — the voice of justice,” said Zirinsky. “We will stay on a story no matter how long it takes.”


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