After Cold Case Is Solved, Neighbor Wonders Why It Took So Long

DENVER (CBS4) - Friday's announcement that a 1997 cold case is solved was relieving as well as a bit frustrating for some neighbors in Denver's Crestmoor neighborhood.

Police said Friday morning that Jonathan Clinton killed Surle Goldfogel 18 years ago in her home in Crestmoor in southeast Denver. Clinton, who was in his 20s the time of the murder, died in 2003 from a heroin overdose.

"I don't actually know why it took so long for the closure to happen. It's so many years now since it happened," said one neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.

Clinton's grandmother lived right across the street from the murder scene. Neighbors say they remember Clinton was a troubled man and that many of them have been convinced all along that he was responsible for the beating death.

Surle Goldfogel, left, and Jonathan Clinton, right (credit: Denver Police)

Police say the suspect's mother now admits she lied about his alibi to protect him at the time of the murder.

"His mother covered up for him, knew he did this and basically didn't come forward until (a) detective ... got her to finally tell him the truth," said Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey.

The statute of limitations means the suspect's mother cannot be charged as an accessory in the murder now. Her name has not been released.

Goldfogel's son told CBS4 Friday evening he is relieved and convinced police have identified the right suspect.