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Denver Police Announces 1997 Cold Case Is Solved

DENVER (CBS4) - Eighteen years after a woman was beaten to death in her home in Denver, police announced on Friday that they know who killed her.

The murder of 67-year-old grandmother Surle Goldfogel has been cold since her death in 1997, but detectives have continued to work on the case.

Surle Goldfogel
Surle Goldfogel (credit: Denver Police)

Police said Friday that Jonathan Clinton was her killer. Clinton, who was in his 20s the time of the murder, died in 2003 from a heroin overdose.

Investigators said in recent years they received several tips that Clinton's mother might have important information about the death. When they contacted her most recently she confirmed that Clinton was the killer and that she hid him in hotels so he could avoid interactions with police. She also said that in the years after the murder she provided an alibi for him, saying he couldn't have done it because he was at home with her.

Jonathan Clinton
Jonathan Clinton (credit: Denver Police)

District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said the mother will not face charges due to statute of limitations.

The murder took place in southeast Denver in the Crestmoor neighborhood at Goldfogel's home on South Jasmine Street, and it was a major news story at the time. The FBI got involved in the investigation, but no one was ever arrested.

Polive actually interviewed Clinton a few days after the murder and he allegedly broke down crying and denied involvement. He also took a polygraph test and passed.

Cold Case Surle Goldfogel Murder
(credit: CBS)

Clinton and his mother were often at the home across the street from Goldfogel because Clinton's grandmother lived there. Police said Friday that he broke into Goldfogel's home and apparently was scared when Goldfogel caught him in the act. He then beat her to death.

Goldfogel was a community leader and a regular volunteer. Her family released a statement Friday about the case thanking those who helped police solve it. "We are eternally grateful," they said.

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Morrissey used Friday's announcement as an opportunity to encourage anyone with information about crimes -- cold or recent -- to come forward.

"We know there's still other families there are hurting just like this family, and there are people that know about these horrible crimes that could come forward and help us solve these crimes. So again, I want to thank the family for allowing us to let the community know that this case has been solved. It's been cleared."

Family Statement

Goldfogel's family released the following statement during Friday's announcement:

18 years is a brutally long time to live with pain and uncertainty. Nearly 7,000 sunrises ... countless missed weddings, births and holidays each tainted by loss and grief that we couldn't reconcile. The uncertainly was daunting and the senseless brutality unimaginable.

Time and circumstance have erased the chance for real justice. All that's left is any solace and closure that comes with finally knowing the truth. There were those who knew and stayed silent which only served to generate more pain for an already raw and tattered family. Then there were those who did the right thing, came forward and spoke up, and to them we are eternally grateful.

Commander Saunier refused to let this case be buried and forgotten. Detective Bisgard was dogged, tireless and relentless in his pursuit of a case nearly two decades old. Their spirit, tenacity and dedication represent all that was best about Surle and virtues she would have valued and appreciated most. Thank you for not allowing her to be forgotten.

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