In unsolved murder cases, Nagle said, it is often the family who periodically stirs up interest, usually around the holidays or the anniversary of the death.
Paulsen has a father in South Boston, a brother living in France and several other siblings. They were informed of the arrest around 2 p.m. Wednesday.
"The word spread through the family rather quick," said Elizabeth Paulsen, Paulsen's sister, who spoke on behalf of the family. "At first we were in shock, but realized we would rather go through and relive this tragedy than have him never be caught."
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She said the family is all extremely thankful.
"This has been a long time in coming," she said.