LOCAL NEWS

Victim’s brother recounts oldest cold case in Utah after it was finally closed

Jun 26, 2024, 10:30 PM | Updated: 10:59 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — When Steven Weber talks about June 26th, 1965, he still gets emotional. He was 10 years old but remembers the day like it was yesterday.

“It was just really terrible,” he said.”I just didn’t know quite how to handle it.”

As he went through old family photos, he described himself as the “caboose” of the family. His sister, Tanya, was 17 years old and a senior in high school when she was killed.

He gave a big sigh of relief when asked how important it was to have his sister’s killer officially named. Even though it was widely believed to be 26-year-old Owen Kimball, a man who lived nearby, investigators weren’t able to confirm. Nearly 60 years ago, they couldn’t get much more than circumstantial evidence.

And, three days after her death, they said Kimball died by suicide.

The grave of Owen Kimball, the killer of Tanya Weber, who he killed in 1965. The case was not solved until 2023. (findagrave.com)

Lt. Lemuel Earl was one of the lead investigators on the case all those years ago. He’s been retired 24 years now but said it was a case he could never get out of his mind.

“My primary role at that time was investigations,” Earl said. He arrived on the scene on June 26, 1965. He said the hours and days that followed were painstaking as he and other investigators processed the crime scene and meticulously gathered evidence. Their precision and attention to detail are likely the reasons DNA evidence was still intact all this time later.

“We were careful,” Earl said. “We took hundreds of pictures we photographed her shoes, her clothing, her underwear.”

Sixty years ago, investigators didn’t have the technology and access to DNA analysis. That, of course, has changed and a grant by the state of Utah allowed investigators to re-open the case in 2022.

Utah’s State Bureau of Investigation reopened the case and in November of 2023, investigators exhumed Kimball’s remains for DNA analysis. It was a match. Six decades after the 17-year-old high school senior was killed, the case was closed, this time solved.

Tanya Weber, 17, was killed in 1965. Her case would become Utah’s oldest cold case until 2024. The case was closed until November 2023. (KSL TV)

Weber said he has forgiven his sister’s killer, and he hopes this can bring closure to others close to the case too.

“I can’t tell you how much peace of mind I have.”

Earl said getting that call on the 59th anniversary of Tanya’s death was a personal payoff.

“It took a lot of good hard work and effort, not just back in those days but fellows today that stuck with it,” says Earl.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A new threat has emerged in Utah as authorities sound the alarm over carfentanil, a powerful synthe...

Garna Mejia

Authorities alarmed by carfentanil’s emergence in Utah

A new threat has emerged in Utah as authorities sound the alarm over carfentanil, a powerful synthetic opioid initially used as an elephant tranquilizer.

1 hour ago

George, the monkey, learns with Lucas's classmates on Feb. 11, 2025. (KSL TV)...

Dan Rascon

Third grade teacher comes up with way to help student with cancer not miss class

A West Jordan Elementary school teacher went above and beyond to help bring healing and joy to one of her third grade students who has cancer.

2 hours ago

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun. (KSL TV)...

Andrew Adams

Sandy Police say 2 men arrested after armed pursuit of family in car

Two men were arrested Monday after police said they pursued a family with a gun.

2 hours ago

Police said a driver rolled their car in Taylorsville before fleeing the scene on foot Tuesday nigh...

Carlysle Price

Police: Driver rolls car, flees on foot

Police said a driver rolled their car in Taylorsville before fleeing the scene on foot Tuesday night.

2 hours ago

One person was found dead inside a West Haven home that caught fire on Feb. 11, 2025. (KSL TV)...

Mariah Maynes and Brian Carlson, KSL TV

West Haven house fire kills 1 person

One person was killed after a West Haven house fire on Tuesday night.

4 hours ago

A newly released video captured the moment an SUV was hit by a UTA FrontRunner train in Layton on F...

Shara Park

New video shows FrontRunner hit SUV stopped on tracks in Layton

A newly released video captured the moment an SUV was hit by a UTA FrontRunner train in Layton on February 4. Fortunately, the driver escaped before the impact.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Victim’s brother recounts oldest cold case in Utah after it was finally closed