Walter, who is wrapping up a 13-month tenure teaching in the forensic science program at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, felt it was time to give back to the community what he called a temporary home.

Through local connections, Walter, who also trains investigators at Scotland Yard, offered his services free of charge to delve into the Dean case. Walter is a co-founder of the Vidocq Society, an organization of forensic professionals dedicated to cracking cold cases.

Walter said he doesn’t need to have a chat with the Dean suspects because they have “given me all the details I need anyway.” The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office cold case team has made “significant process” that he won’t divulge for fear of offering an unintended heads up.

“They survived for 18 years; that reign is coming to a close, in my opinion,” Walter said.

Walter also wondered what sort of reaction those who investigators are focusing on might have to the spotlight brought by media attention after the news conference.

“I’m curious to see how arrogant they are,” Walter said. “Or whether they think we’re talking about them.”

Walter wasn’t the only official expressing confidence Thursday.