DNA Links 2 Women to Dead Men

Armed with fresh DNA evidence, prosecutors took two elderly women into custody today for befriending, insuring and then allegedly murdering two homeless men for $2.2 million in death benefits.

Investigators said biological evidence taken from a car linked to the women, which was allegedly used to run down one of the victims, contained traces of his DNA.

"Our tests of biological material came back positive [to Kenneth McDavid, one of the victims] with a degree of certainty beyond a number that I can count to," said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon.

Helen Golay, 75, appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court this morning wearing a blue jacket over a striped blouse, with her hair parted down the middle. She appeared animated as she consulted with her lawyer, Roger Jon Diamond.

Co-defendant Olga Rutterschmidt, 73, remained seated through most of the hearing, at which Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner James N. Bianco ordered their arraignment delayed until Aug. 29.

Prosecutors could seek the death penalty against the pair in the deaths of Paul Vados, 73, who was covered by more than a dozen life insurance policies when he was run down by a car on La Brea Avenue in 1999, and McDavid, 50, who was covered by 23 policies when he was run down and killed by an automobile.

"We will not make a decision on whether to seek the death penalty until the case moves closer to trial. Generally, this is done after a defendant is held to answer at a preliminary hearing or has been indicted," said Sandi Gibbons, spokesperson for Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley.

Both women have been in custody without bond since May, when federal authorities charged them with trying to defraud insurance companies. Diamond said the lesser federal charges were dismissed this week as federal investigators stepped aside for the more serious state murder charges.

Key evidence in the case is matching DNA found on a silver Mercury Sable station wagon to McDavid.

"We found tissue in three locations on the undercarriage of the car," said LAPD Det. Dennis P. Kilcoyne. "We have records to show both women bought this car in 2004, then they stored it at Golay's house."

Police believe the women "drugged them with pills or alcohol first, then ran over them," Kilcoyne said.

Diamond said his client is innocent.

The evidence proves "that there was an accident involving McDavid," Diamond said. "It doesn't show who was driving the vehicle. Neither lady was driving the vehicle. It was a hit and run. No one knows who was driving."

Diamond is seeking permission to represent Golay in the murder case. He said federal agents seized $1.2 million of her assets when she was arrested her in May and said she now lacks funds to pay for her defense.