Session
Solving the Colorado Springs’ Jennifer Watkins Homicide Case with Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Wednesday September 20th, 2023 // 2:20 pm - 2:40 pm // Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center, Centennial Ballroom
On November 8, 1999, a young mother, 23-year-old Jennifer Watkins, was found dead in a secluded stairwell at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs where she worked. Despite the Colorado Springs Police Department’s extensive efforts, the case went cold for two decades until Sergeant Kory Dabb enlisted the help of Parabon’s Chief Genetic Genealogist, CeCe Moore.
Although investigative genetic genealogy would eventually lead to the identify of Jennifer’s killer, her co-worker 29-year-old Ricky Severt, the journey was far from straightforward. The presenters will take you through the twists and turns of the case and illustrate how, occasionally, even investigative genetic genealogy can initially send detectives chasing after a red herring.
Speakers
CeCe Moore
Chief Genetic Genealogist, Parabon
CeCe Moore, Chief Genetic Genealogist at Parabon, is the leading authority on investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), successfully collaborating with hundreds of law enforcement agencies across North America. Her small team boasts the unparalleled track record of 175 successful identifications of violent criminals and unidentified decedents, averaging one solved case per week. CeCe’s cutting edge work has led to the first conviction, the first conviction through jury verdict, and the first exoneration in cases where the suspect was identified through investigative genetic genealogy.
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