The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has announced a significant development in a hit-and-run incident that occurred in the late 1980s, bringing hope for closure to a long-unsolved tragedy.

As reported by ABC News, Herbert Stanback, 68, has been charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death in connection with the 1989 killing of Ruth Buchanan, 52.

The incident, which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, had remained unsolved for 34 years until recent advancements in forensic technology and investigative techniques led to this arrest.

The case highlights the persistent efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims and their families, even decades after a crime has been committed.

Tragic Incident And Initial Investigation

On December 29, 1989, Ruth Buchanan was crossing an intersection when she was struck by a vehicle that ran a red light. The driver fled the scene, leaving Buchanan with severe injuries. She was rushed to Charlotte Memorial Hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries the following day.

Witnesses at the scene provided investigators with crucial information, including a description of the vehicle and its license plate number.

This led to the discovery that the vehicle involved had been reported stolen. In January 1990, officers located a suspicious vehicle with a stolen license plate, which was confirmed to be the one involved in the fatal crash.

Despite these initial leads, the case went cold due to a lack of further evidence. For 32 years, the hit-and-run remained an open case, with investigators unable to identify the driver responsible for Buchanan's death.

Breakthrough In The Cold Case

The turning point in this decades-old case came in 2022 when detectives received an anonymous tip identifying a potential suspect. Although this lead did not pan out, it prompted a renewed investigation into the incident.

Investigators revisited physical evidence recovered from the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run, which had been preserved in the police headquarters' evidence lockup.

Advanced DNA analysis and thorough examination of this evidence eventually led to the identification of Herbert Stanback as a suspect.

Suspect's Background And Confession

At the time of his identification as a suspect, Stanback was already incarcerated in North Carolina, serving a 22-year sentence for an unrelated case. This discovery added a new layer of complexity to the investigation.

In March 2024, detectives interviewed Stanback about the 1989 incident. During this interview, he admitted to driving the vehicle that struck Buchanan.

Further investigation revealed that at the time of the crash, Stanback was incarcerated and participating in a work-release program.

Legal Proceedings And Charges

Following Stanback's confession, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for a felony hit-and-run resulting in death. In June 2024, he was formally charged in connection with Ruth Buchanan's death.

This development marks a significant milestone in the case, bringing the possibility of closure to Buchanan's family after more than three decades of uncertainty.

Why This Story Matters

This case exemplifies the importance of community vigilance and the impact of modern forensic advancements. It underscores a commitment to seeking justice, no matter how long it takes. The resolution brings a degree of closure to the community and reaffirms the importance of persistence in law enforcement efforts.

In conclusion, the charging of Herbert Stanback in the 1989 fatal hit-and-run case demonstrates the power of persistent investigation and advancements in forensic technology. This breakthrough offers hope that even decades-old cold cases can be solved, providing justice for victims and their families. The case also highlights the importance of preserving evidence and the potential for new leads to emerge even years after a crime has been committed.