Cold case murder of Portsmouth woman finally solved thanks to DNA technology

Laura Kempton and her killer, Ronney James Lee, who died of acute cocaine intoxictio at the age of 45 in 2005. (Kempton/courtesy; Lee/Portsmouth Police)

PORTSMOUTH - The murder of a 23-year-old Portsmouth woman killed more than 40 years ago has finally been solved thanks to forensic genetic technology of numerous DNA samples recovered from the scene where her body was found.
Police first got involved in the case the morning of Sept. 28, 1981, when an officer attempting to serve a court summons discovered the body of Laura Kempton, 23, in her residence
Investigators learned that Kempton had last been seen alive in the early morning hours of Sept 28, 1981, entering her apartment alone after a night out socializing with a friend. An autopsy later concluded that she died as a result of massive trauma to the left side of her head. The autopsy also revealed that Ms. Kempton was killed in the early morning hours of Sept. 28, 1981. Physical evidence was collected from the scene that, years later, revealed a male DNA profile.
Over the next four decades, investigators pursued hundreds of leads and potential suspects, but were unable to identify the perpetrator.
Then in 2022 investigators got a break.
The Portsmouth Police Department, working in conjunction with the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory, the Maine State Police Forensic Laboratory, the Attorney General's Cold Case Unit, and Identifinders International, used forensic genetic genealogy technology to identify the perpetrator through analysis of numerous DNA samples recovered from the murder scene.
That forensic genetic genealogy analysis, combined with additional evidence which includes additional analysis completed in 2023, identifies the individual responsible for Kempton's death as Ronney James Lee. He died, however, of acute cocaine intoxication at the age of 45 on Feb. 9, 2005. He was 21 years old at the time of Kempton's homicide.
Based upon all of the evidence gathered during the investigation into the homicide of Laura Kempton in Portsmouth, the Attorney General has concluded that if Mr. Lee were still alive, the Attorney General's Cold Case Unit and the Portsmouth Police Department would seek alternative charges of first degree murder for knowingly causing the death of Laura Kempton before, after, or while engaged in the commission of, or while attempting to commit aggravated felonious sexual assault; and alternatively, for purposely causing Kempton's death by striking her with a blunt object.
"It is my hope that this conclusion and announcement will be the long-awaited first step in providing what closure the criminal justice system can provide for Laura Kempton's family and community," said Attorney General John J. Formella. "The Portsmouth Police Department should be commended for its commitment and perseverance in seeking justice for Ms. Kempton and her family. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the members of our Office's Cold Case Unit and all of our law enforcement partners that were involved in investigating and finally resolving this case.
The Kempton family released a statement to "express our deepest gratitude to the Portsmouth police department for solving Laura's case. Their diligence and determination, along with extraordinary personal commitment over the past decades, have led to this moment for Laura."
The family also had special thanks to Ret. Captain John Peracchi, Portsmouth Police Department Investigative Division, and his team members past and present, "who have worked tirelessly on Laura's case. Their extraordinary efforts have led to this important moment today."
The Kempton family also requested privacy at this time as "we process this information."
The statement from the AG's office concluded that as there is sufficient evidence to seek criminal charges, but no ability to resolve those charges because Lee is deceased, the case will be closed and identified as "solved," but without an arrest and prosecution.

To read the full Attorney Generals investigative report click here