Cold Case Files: REOPENED: Ice Cold in Denver

Podcast: Cold Case Files
Host: A&E / PodcastOne, Paula Barros
Episode Date: January 22, 2026

Overview

This episode of Cold Case Files revisits the brutal 1980 murder of Helene Pruszynski, a 21-year-old journalist-in-training whose life was cut short soon after she began an internship in Denver, Colorado. After going cold for nearly four decades, the case is finally solved thanks to advances in forensic DNA technology and the relentless advocacy of Helene’s friends, family, and a dedicated cold case unit. The episode explores the emotional journey from Helene’s disappearance through to the groundbreaking arrest and conviction of her killer, James Curtis Clanton.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Discovery of Helene Pruszynski’s Body

• [01:12-03:04]
  On a cold January morning in 1980, a woman and her children spot a body in Daniels Park, Colorado. Law enforcement arrives to a disturbing scene:
  • The victim, later identified as Helene Pruszynski, is found partially nude with her hands bound behind her back, a gag in her mouth, and multiple stab wounds.
  • The frozen ground preserves tire and boot prints, offering rare forensic clues in the era before widespread DNA analysis.

“You can't get a scene that has more tragedy in it… Law enforcement was really at that point just starting from scratch.” – Investigator [02:48]

Helene’s Background and Relocation to Colorado

• [04:16-06:29]
  Through heartfelt stories from friends and colleagues, a portrait of Helene emerges:
  • Talented in journalism, singing, and community involvement; “She just did it all.” [04:49]
  • Had just moved to Denver for her dream internship at KHOW radio, where she quickly impressed her professional mentors.

“She was really not like an intern. She was more like a regular professional journalist.” – Mike Anthony, News Director [05:53]

The Frantic Search and Devastating Discovery

• [06:36-09:18]
  After Helene’s failure to return home, loved ones and police launch a search. Her body is confirmed by a colleague:
  • Helene had been missing since leaving the radio station around 6:00 pm.
  • Bob Scott, a reporter and friend, is the tragic identifier at the crime scene.

“It was the worst thing I ever had to do, and it’s never left my mind.” – Bob Scott [09:14]

Early Investigation Stalls

• [09:33-14:50]
  The autopsy confirms sexual assault and multiple stabbings. Although evidence is meticulously preserved, 1980s technology offers few paths forward.
  • Critical witness reports a suspicious male and car at the scene, helping generate a composite, but leads dry up.
  • Helene’s family and friends are left devastated, and the case goes cold within a year.

“There just wasn’t any more leads for detectives to go off of. In the 80s, DNA wasn’t something that you can go test to figure out who it was. There were no fingerprints…” – Cold Case Team Member [14:56]

False Confessions: The Lucas & Toole Distraction

• [15:11-17:17]
  In 1984, serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Otis Toole falsely confess to Helene’s murder.
  • They echo details already released in the media, but key facts (e.g., claiming Helene was shot) are wrong, confirming their story is not credible.

“As it turns out, Ottis Toole and Henry Lee Lucas…fabricated information that can quickly be discredited.” – Narrator [17:17]

Victim Advocacy and Relentless Pursuit of Justice

• [18:13-21:18]
  Despite the cold trail, Helene’s high school friends create a scholarship and constantly push investigators.
  • One friend builds a website with tracking features hoping the killer might visit.
  • Regular check-ins with detectives and media outreach keep Helene’s story alive.

“Mine wasn’t golf. Mine was solving Helene’s case for her family…when Kimberly makes a promise, there’s no breaking that promise.” – Helene’s Friend [19:03]

Breakthrough via Genetic Genealogy

• [21:33-25:23]
  In the 2010s, a new sheriff establishes a specialized cold case unit.
  • Investigators collaborate with United Data Connect, using genetic genealogy to build a DNA family tree and identify partial matches.
  • The breakthrough comes when the killer’s biological mother, who had placed two sons for adoption, is found. One son is ruled out; focus turns to Curtis Allen White.

“Genetic genealogy is using a DNA technique that then allows you to apply genealogy techniques…” – Mitch Morrissey [22:43]

Closing In: The Identification and Arrest

• [25:23-27:24]
  • Curtis Allen White had a history of violent sexual assault and changed his name to James Curtis Clanton.
  • Living in rural Florida as a truck driver, Clanton is surveilled by undercover officers, who obtain his DNA from beer mugs at a bar.
  • The DNA matches the evidence collected in 1980.

“Within days, those detectives got back a positive result, that the DNA that was found on the beer mugs matched the DNA that he had left 40 years earlier…” – Detective [27:24]

The Confession and Prosecution

• [29:59-33:37]
  • Clanton is confronted and arrested under a ruse, then confronted with evidence and confesses during interrogation and on the flight to Colorado.
  • He describes stalking Helene, kidnapping her at knifepoint, and ultimately assaulting and killing her.

“He knew he was going to grab a girl, kidnap her, rape her and kill her.” – Narrator [33:24]

Bittersweet Resolution

• [33:49-35:32]
  • Helene’s friends and family, many of whom kept her memory alive for decades, finally experience the relief of justice – though the loss remains profound, as her parents and brother had passed away before the case was closed.
  • Clanton pleads guilty in 2020 and is sentenced to life in prison.

“We can soften the edges around the broken pieces of our hearts and be with Helene in a different way now…not being buried in her murder, but being buried back into the joy and the spirit of her life.” – Helene’s Friend [34:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “She was always smiling. Always smiling…I made a promise to her parents that I would not rest until we found out who, why, how, and get the answers for them.” – Helene’s Friend [00:45]
• “It was mind boggling how many people played a significant role in all of this. We will forever be grateful for everything that they did.” – Helene’s Friend [34:40]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:12] – Discovery of Helene’s body in Denver
• [04:16] – Insight into Helene’s life and aspirations
• [09:33] – Autopsy details and the critical preservation of evidence
• [14:56] – Case grows cold after exhausting leads
• [15:20] – Serial killers’ false confessions
• [21:33] – Cold Case unit re-opens investigation with advanced DNA tools
• [25:23] – Identification and investigation into Curtis Allen White/James Curtis Clanton
• [27:24] – DNA match confirms the killer’s identity
• [33:49] – Family and friends react to resolution; Clanton is convicted

Tone and Language

This episode balances empathy for the victim and her loved ones with methodical, detailed recounting of the investigation and forensic breakthroughs. The narrative is measured, respectful, and often poignant, especially when amplifying the voices of Helene’s friends and journalistic mentors.

Conclusion

Ice Cold in Denver is both a testament to the impact of loss and the determination of loved ones and investigators to seek justice, no matter how much time passes. The story underscores not just technological advancement, but also the enduring human drive to seek closure and honor those stolen by violence.