(Columbus, OH) – Nearly 33 years after the death of Amy Hooper, the suspect arrested and charged with her murder is back in Franklin County.
Bruce Daniels, 58, of Tumwater, Washington, is charged with rape and murder for the killing of 20-year-old Amy Hooper, who was found naked, bludgeoned and stabbed to death in her Lincoln Village apartment on March 9, 1992.
Through new DNA technology, Daniels was identified as a person of interest in the case in 2024, and law enforcement officials in Washington obtained an item discarded by Daniels that had his DNA on it. That DNA matched the DNA recovered from Hooper’s body in 1992, leading to his arrest.
“The dedication and perseverance of our investigators, combined with new DNA technology, have finally provided the breakthrough needed to bring justice for Amy Hooper,” said Sheriff Dallas Baldwin. “This case is a testament to the unwavering commitment of all law enforcement and all of our partners to find the person responsible, no matter how much time has passed.”
A warrant was filed for Bruce Daniels on Dec. 4, 2024, and he was arrested in Washington, on Dec. 5. On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies escorted Daniels back to Columbus, and he was booked into the James A. Karnes Corrections Center.
Our law enforcement partners, including the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the FBI, were instrumental in closing this 1992 cold case.
“I want this family – and the families of all victims – to know that even after all of these years, we haven’t forgotten about your loved one,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “The detectives who work cold cases are the best kinds of heroes – they’re dealt setbacks and dead ends, but they don’t give up. I’m thankful for our ongoing partnership with Sheriff Baldwin as we all look forward to this suspect’s day in court.”
Chief Deputy Rick Minerd, who leads the FCSO Criminal Investigations Division, thanked all of those involved with this investigation, especially Detective Chuck Clark, who has been tirelessly working on this case for nearly 20 years.
"The relentless commitment of law enforcement and the unwavering support of the Amy Hooper family have been key in bringing us to this moment,” Chief Deputy Rick Minerd said. “Justice is not just a goal – it is a promise we intend to always keep."
Watch the full press conference from Thursday, March 6, here