BOSTON -- A man held in connection with the disappearance of a University of Vermont student found dead was charged Wednesday in connection with the woman's death.

Brian Rooney, 36, was charged with aggravated homicide in the death of Michelle Garnder-Quinn. The 21-year-old died from strangulation and "blunt force trauma," police said in an affidavit filed in court.

NewsCenter 5's Sean Kelley reported that Rooney, 36, has been held on unrelated charges since the discovery of Michelle Gardner-Quinn's body on Oct. 13. Investigators said DNA evidence sealed their case.

With the victim's picture by his side at the podium, Burlington's police chief announced the arrest of Michelle Gardner-Quinn's suspected rapist and killer.

Brian Rooney's denial about involvement in the University of Vermont student's death became more unbelievable to detectives when they recovered a DNA link.

"DNA samples found during the search match Rooney to a reasonable degree of certainty," Burlington Police Department Chief Thomas Tremblay said.

Rooney was the last person seen with the 21-year-old student on Oct. 7 when she disappeared.

Police said the woman borrowed Rooney's cell phone while she walked home from downtown after a night out with friends.

Gardner-Quinn's body was discovered almost a week later by hikers.

"The cause of Michelle's death was strangulation and blunt force trauma," Tremblay said.

Detectives didn't comment on the potential weapon used. They think Gardner-Quinn died no more than two hours after a video was taken of her with Rooney.

Police previously arrested Rooney on charges he sexually abused children in two other counties. He's also been charged with sexually assaulting a former girlfriend.

"We're pleased with the results, but nobody can ever feel good about the tragedy that's occurred in our community," Tremblay said.

Rooney is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in a Chittenden County, Vt., courtroom.