In cold case units across the nation, law enforcement officials and forensic staff rely on modern technology to assist them in solving crimes. Advancements in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis, forensic psychology and criminology have helped detectives put a name and face to attackers that otherwise would have roamed free and possibly struck again. DNA is as individual as a person’s fingerprint and is extremely accurate.
DNA samples are taken from body fluids such as saliva, semen, blood, hair or personal items. Forensic laboratories can now test old DNA samples because of newer techniques. The national database used by cold case units, the FBI and other agencies is the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).This database searches local, state and national databases to see if a match exists.
If a match is not found, the DNA is entered in the database for future analysis. When a body is badly decomposed, forensic analysts can withdraw a DNA sample from the victim’s bones or teeth. Experts then review the sample at a forensic crime lab with specialized equipment.
A cold case recently in the news, Wisconsin detectives arrested someone in the 29-year-old case involving the murders of 19-year olds Tim Hack and Kelly Drew. In 1980, Hack and Drew were murdered after leaving a wedding reception in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Their bodies were found almost two months later. Officers re-interviewed Edward W. Edwards and noted his story was different from when he told it to officers back in 1980. A DNA test confirmed a match to semen Edwards had left on Drew’s pants. Edwards was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
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