No one has hours to scour the papers to keep up with the latest news, so we’ve curated the top news stories in the field of Forensic Science for this week. Here’s what you need to know to get out the door!
After Nearly 70 Years, Genealogy Solves Martin Family Disappearance (Forensic – 4/20/2026)
On Sunday, Dec. 7, 1958, Kenneth and Barbara Martin left their home with their daughters Barbie (14), Susan (11) and Virginia (13) to collect Christmas greenery at the Columbia River Gorge. That was the last time any of them were seen alive, sparking a baffling disappearance in Oregon and the largest manhunt the state had undertaken at the time.
Now after almost 70 years, thanks to the relentless efforts of local diver Archer Mayo—and advanced genetic genealogy techniques— the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office has officially identified the remains of Kenneth, Barbara and Barbie Martin within the wreckage of the Martin family car, recovered from the Columbia River.
Teen Found in Shallow Grave ID’ed as Missing Boy (Forensic – 4/20/2026)
Nearly four decades after he was murdered and buried in a shallow grave, the DNA Doe Project and their agency partners have identified Three Points John Doe as Rogelio Morales Caudillo. Rogelio was just 17 years old when he vanished from Tucson in 1986, and it would be another two years before his body was found in a remote desert area of the city.
1993 Murder Charges Dismissed Due to Invalidated Toolmark Evidence (Forensic – 4/20/2026)
The 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed the double murder charges against James “Jimmy” Genrich’s related to a series of pipe bombings that occurred in Grand Junction, Colorado, between 1989 and 1991. The State’s only direct evidence in this case was toolmark “matching” evidence — a forensic method now widely discredited as scientifically unreliable.
The dismissal follows a court decision that granted Genrich a new trial due to the use of this faulty toolmark analysis in his 1993 conviction. At his 1993 trial, the State claimed that microscopic marks measuring less than a quarter millimeter on the bomb fragments could be traced to a single tool to the exclusion of all others. Leading scientific institutions, including the National Academy of Sciences and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, have rejected such claims as unsupported by science.
Crime-fighting Labradors Begin Specialist Training (Forensic – 4/20/2026)
A new canine duo have commenced specialist training to help officers in the UK bring the most serious offenders to justice.
Labradors Luna and Phoenix were recruited as puppies last summer and are now being trained to locate vital evidence at a range of crime scenes.
The dogs, selected for their natural attributes and exceptional potential, are being trained to assist investigations by detecting bodily fluids at crime scenes.
Over the next six weeks, the Fox Red sisters and their handlers will take part in a series of practical drills and classroom‑based sessions as they work to reach the required national standard.
All being well, they will qualify at the end of May as the force’s first dedicated forensic evidence detection animals.
Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office Teams with Othram to Identify a 2025 Jane Doe (DNASolves – 4/21/2026)
On October 9, 2025, the remains of an unidentified woman were found in an extended-stay motel in Media, a borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, about 13 miles west of Philadelphia. Law enforcement agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police and the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and began collecting evidence and investigating. While the woman was tentatively identified, her identity could not be confirmed.
Officials with the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram’s laboratory headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists reviewed details of the case, determining that advanced DNA testing could help to identify the woman. Othram scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided remains, using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive SNP profile for the woman.
During the course of the investigation, reference DNA samples were collected from potential relatives of the womanand compared to the DNA profile of the unknown woman using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing. This investigation led to the positive identification of the woman, who is now known to be Jacqueline Leroux, born on August 25, 1953. She was 72 years old.
As a young adult, she represented Belgium as a debutante at the prestigious International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1973. Jacqueline Leroux was a model who was studying science at Villanova University and taking Latin at Haverford College. She also spent a summer studying limnology, the study of inland aquatic ecosystem, at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Her father was Belgium’s honorary consul in Philadelphia for many years, and he was knighted by King Baudouin.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Team with Othram to Identify a 2025 Jane Doe (DNASolves – 4/21/2026)
On August 8, 2025, Hillsborough County maintenance workers made a grim discovery off Ramblewood Road in Lutz, Florida. A large blue bag, located approximately 15 to 20 feet off the road in the tree line was found. Inside were the skeletal remains of what appeared to be an elderly female. Law enforcement was alerted and officers with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, assisted by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The woman could not be identified and details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP149837 as part of the investigation into her identity.
To identify the woman, local law enforcement partnered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to submit forensic evidence to Othram in hopes that identity inference could lead to the woman’s identity. Identity inference is a process that enables investigators to identify individuals from DNA evidence, even when there is no known reference sample to initially compare against.
In October 2025, forensic evidence arrived at Othram’s laboratory headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists reviewed details of the case, determining that advanced DNA testing could help to identify the woman. Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive SNP profile for the woman. This forensic SNP profile powered a forensic search, executed by Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team.
A follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the woman allowing for the collection of a reference DNA sample from a potential relative. This individual’s DNA profile was compared to the DNA profile of the Jane Doe using Othram’s KinSNP® testing. This comparison has now allowed investigators to identify the woman as 78-year-old Jacquelyn Cirone.
Following Cirone’s identification, investigators with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office determined that after Cirone’s death, her caregiver, 64-year-old Rebecca Vaughn, failed to report her death to authorities. Instead she disposed of Cirone’s body in the woods. Vaughn has been charged with multiple crimes including tampering with physical evidence, failure to report death to a medical examiner or law enforcement (intent to conceal), and unlawfully holding or moving a deceased human in unapproved conditions.
FDLE, which accepted the case through its Missing and Unidentified Human Remains Program, facilitated the casework with funding from BJA MUHR grant program.
5 Lessons Learned from Decades of Sexual Assault Kit Testing (Forensic – 4/22/2026)
Every sexual assault kit represents more than evidence. It represents a person. An act of violence. A search for answers that, in many cases, can take years, or even decades, to fully realize.
Over time, advancements in forensic DNA analysis have transformed what’s possible. But just as important as the science are the lessons learned from the cases themselves, lessons that continue to shape how evidence is tested, interpreted, and used to support investigations.
As 2026’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month wraps up, we’re reflecting on five key lessons learned from decades of sexual assault kit (SAK) testing and the cases behind them.
DNA Names John Doe But Circumstances Surrounding Death Remain Unknown (Forensic – 4/22/2026)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives (Florida), Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators, and the Monroe County Medical Examiner Office have identified human remains in an unresolved 1988 case using advanced genetic and DNA methods.
An unidentified black man found on May 4, 1988, off County Road 905 in north Key Largo, Florida, have been confirmed as Alfonso James Spikes, 61, of Miami, Florida. It is believed Spikes was last seen in April 1988 in Miami after leaving his residence to meet an unknown individual. At this time, the identity of that person, as well as the circumstances surrounding how he ultimately ended up in Monroe County, remained unknown.
Genealogy Identifies Skeletal Remains Found in 1990 (Forensic – 4/22/2026)
In January 1990, the skeletal remains of an unidentified individual were found in a wooded area in the Little Talbot Island State Park near the Duval and Nassau county lines in Jacksonville, Florida. Investigators determined that the remains were that of a White man who was at least 6’3″ tall with extensive dental work. The man was found fully clothed, sitting against a tree. Several items were recovered alongside the man, including keys to a GM vehicle, an ink pen, sunglasses, a black pipe, a plastic comb, and super glue. Officials estimate he died three to six months prior.
Despite a lengthy investigation, including releasing a forensic sketch depicting his likeness when he was alive, the man could not be identified and became known as Jacksonville John Doe (1990). Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as UP16757.
In 2024, investigators teamed with Othram to leverage identity inference, a process that enables investigators to identify individuals from DNA evidence, even when there is no known reference sample to initially compare against. Officials with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Districts 9 and 25 Medical Examiner’s Office worked together to submit forensic evidence to Othram’s laboratory headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.
At Othram, scientists reviewed details of the case, determining that advanced DNA testing could help to identify the man. Othram scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided forensic evidence, using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive SNP profile for the man. This SNP profile powered a forensic search led by Othram’s and FDLE’s forensic genetic genealogy teams, resulting in new investigative leads about the man’s identity.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to potential relatives of the man. Reference DNA samples were collected from a relative and compared to the DNA profile of the unidentified man. This investigation led to the positive identification of the man, who is now known to be Joseph Paul Connors, who went by “Buddy.” According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, he was born in May of 1937. When his body was found in 1990, he was 52 years old. It is unclear exactly when he died, but authorities do not suspect foul play.
Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Team with Othram to Identify a 1994 Homicide Victim (DNASolves – 4/22/2026)
On January 8, 1994, skeletal remains belonging to an unidentified individual were found in northern Baldwin County, Alabama, south of Interstate 65. A hunter made the discovery in a wooded area. Officials responded to the scene and determined that the remains belonged to an adult male. While investigators believed that the man was was not from Baldwin County, he could not be identified. As part of the investigation into the man’s identity, details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP109307.
In an effort to identify the man, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, working with local law enforcement, worked to submit forensic evidence to Othram in hopes that identity inference could lead to his identity. Identity inference is a process that enables investigators to identify individuals from DNA evidence, even when there is no known reference sample to initially compare against.
In March 2024, forensic evidence arrived at Othram’s laboratory headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. At Othram, scientists successfully extracted DNA from the provided evidence, and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive SNP profile for the man. This SNP profile powered a forensic search led by Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team, which resulted in new investigative leads.
A follow-up investigation led investigators to potential relatives of the man. This investigation led to the identification of the man, who is now known to be James Carol Jackson, a resident of Texas. Investigators believe that Jackson was murdered between 1988 and 1989.
According to investigators, Jackson was a welder and told family members he was going to Alabama for work around 1987, having possibly worked on road construction projects in the South Alabama area. He stopped communicating with his family around 12 months after he left Texas.
Jackson was last seen driving a model year 1978 to 1981 red Chevrolet Camaro with white interior, no spoiler, and a CB antenna, which has not been found. It is believed that Jackson may have lived off of Baldwin County’s Highway 225 and may have frequented bars along the route and in Bay Minette such as the Tensaw Lodge. Family members described him as a non-violent, easy-going guy.
Meigs County Sheriffs Office and the Knox County Regional Forensics Center Team with Othram to Identify a 2025 John Doe (DNASolves – 4/22/2026)
In August 2025, officers with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at the residence of Monty Ritter after neighbors reported not seeing him for an extended period of time. Upon arriving at the home, officers discovered skeletal remains.
Although Ritter could not be located and was suspected to be the individual, authorities were unable to make a positive identification based on the condition of the remains. To confirm the identity of the remains, officials with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Knox County Regional Forensic Center to submit evidence for advanced DNA testing.
The evidence was sent to Othram, headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. Scientists at Othram reviewed the case details and determined that Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® could be used to generate a comprehensive SNP profile from the skeletal remains.
At Othram, scientists reviewed details of the case, determining that advanced DNA testing could help to identify the person. Othram scientists worked to develop a DNA extract from the provided skeletal remains, using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive SNP profile for the person resulting in new investigative leads about the person’s identity.
During the course of the investigation, potential relatives of Ritter were identified. Reference DNA samples were collected and compared to the unknown profile using KinSNP® Rapid Relationship Testing.
This testing confirmed that the remains belonged to Monty Ritter, the property owner, who was in his 60s. While investigators had reason to believe the remains could belong to Ritter, the use of advanced DNA testing provided the certainty required to formally confirm his identity.
The Weight of Evidence: New Mexico Department of Public Safety Forensic Laboratory DNA Unit Focuses on Science, Precision, While Managing Pressure, Stress (NM Department of Public Safety – 4/22/2026)
Work within the DNA Unit of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety’s Forensic Laboratory in Santa Fe can be highly challenging and not just in a scientific way. There’s a mental health aspect to the job that many have experienced including Roslynd Archuleta, DNA supervisor and 18-year forensic scientist.
Archuleta managed the largest case to ever come through the DNA Unit, with more than 300 pieces of evidence, 13 reports and over two years of work in the Victoria Martens case.
“It was very gruesome, high profile and a very stressful case to work,” said Archuleta who is also the Combined DNA Index System Administrator. “The case was really important; and testifying was critical. Also, it was important for me to highlight the impact of our work on us as forensic scientists. We need to focus on mental health and ensure our analysts are taking care of themselves. We work with really heavy information, and that can really eat at you, especially when you have a case like this one that involved a child. I had young children myself at the time, and a lot of the items I was seeing in the case were items I had at home for my own children. That hits really hard as a scientist realizing that the work you are doing – that there was a child that was hurt.
“I try to be a big advocate for all of us to take care of our mental health – to get help. I got some PTSD from it. I’m pretty open to talking about it. I found a therapist which was critical to find a better ground to stand on after such a difficult case.”
Forensic Experts, Lawyers and Police Convene to Discuss New Standards in Forensic Science (King’s College London – 4/23/2026)
A recent seminar brought together leading forensic scientists, legal professionals and police to explore and seek clarity on new guidance on the interpretation of forensic evidence – a topic with significant implications for both scientific practice and the justice system.
Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Brockton Police Department, & Massachusetts State Police Team with Othram to Identify Donna Bell’s 1993 Attacker (DNASolves – 4/23/2026)
In April 1993, Donna Bell was sexually assaulted by an unidentified man in Brockton, Massachusetts, which is located in Plymouth County. Donna fought her attacker and was able to escape, surviving the brutal attach. The Brockton Police Department responded, collecting evidence and launching an investigation. As part of the investigation, an STR DNA profile and uploaded to CODIS. Investigators were able to connect the DNA profile of Bell’s attacker to a DNA profile collected from the unsolved 1991 murder of 28-year-old Cherie Bishop. Despite an exhaustive investigation, no suspect was identified and Donna Bell’s and Cherie Bishop’s cases went cold.
In 2023, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and Massachusetts State Police worked together to submit forensic evidence from Donna Bell’s 1993 assault to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas. Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the provided evidence and then used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile for the suspect. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Fulfilling Our Nation’s Promise: DNA Threshold to Disinter USS Arizona Unknowns Met (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency – 4/23/2026)
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that the 60% threshold of DNA Family Reference Samples has been met for the USS Arizona (BB-39) Unknown Identification Project.
Reaching this 60% threshold allows DPAA to formally request and begin planning the disinterment of potentially 141 unknowns currently buried in multiple potentially commingled graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. The official start date for this effort will be announced once the disinterments have been approved by the Department of War.
DPAA extends its sincere appreciation to USS Arizona family member Kevin Kline, grandnephew of Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Robert Edwin Kline, and the “Operation 85” team for their devoted efforts over the past three years to locate and connect enough USS Arizona families to help reach this important milestone. DPAA also thanks the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy Casualty Offices, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, and the many families whose participation and willingness to provide Family Reference Samples made this progress possible.
Reaching this milestone does not conclude the search for additional USS Arizona and associated Pearl Harbor family members who may be able to provide viable DNA Family Reference Samples. DPAA, Operation 85, and the service casualty offices continue to encourage any family member who may be related to a missing USS Arizona crew member to participate in this ongoing effort.
DPAA’s mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for our nation’s missing personnel from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars.
DPAA remains committed to working across all past conflicts as we continue the mission of providing the fullest possible accounting for missing Department of War personnel to their families and our nation.