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!
IGG Identifies Another Likely Victim of ‘Scorecard Killer’ 45 Years Later (Forensic – 5/14/2025)
Almost 45 years ago, in the early morning hours of July 18, 1980, Oregon State Police responded to a report of a deceased, unidentified male along Interstate 5 near Woodburn, Oregon. A homicide investigation was opened and while extensive efforts were made to identify the victim, he remained a John Doe—until recently.
The Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit, in partnership with Parabon Nanolabs, has now identified John Doe as Vietnam veteran Larry Eugene Parks, who was 30 years old at the time of his death. Given the location of the body and the evidence, Parks is believed to be another victim of serial killer Randy Kraft, also called the Scorecard Killer and the Freeway Killer.
Between 1971 and 1983, Kraft is believed to have killed 67 people. All of his suspected victims were males between the ages of 13 and 30, the majority of whom were in their late teens to mid-twenties. Many of the victims were members of the United States Marines Corps, and most of their bodies were found to have high levels of both alcohol and tranquilizers. They were then bound, tortured, and sexually abused before they were killed, usually by either strangulation, asphyxiation, or bludgeoning.
Despite an incredible amount of evidence indicating many, many more murders, Kraft was ultimately charged and convicted of sixteen homicides, all of which occurred between 1972 and 1983.
30 Years Lost: Man Free After Decades in Prison Shares Exoneration Story (NBC CT – 5/16/2025)
Imagine spending 30 years in prison for something you didn’t do. It was a reality for two Connecticut men. We featured some of their stories in the NBC CT Investigates original documentary, Traces of Doubt: The Forensics of Dr. Henry Lee.
Now Shawn Henning, who now lives out of state, is sharing his story in his first sit-down interview since his exoneration.
State Police Initiates Rapid DNA Program to Solve Cases Faster (BCTV – 5/16/2025)
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced on Thursday, May 15, the initiation of its Rapid DNA program with the deployment of 15 fully automated genetic analyzers to troops across the Commonwealth, a major step forward in the Department’s ability to bring justice to victims and hold offenders accountable.
“This program represents significant advancements in our forensic capabilities,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP. “Rapid DNA analysis can expedite the development of investigative leads, assist in suspect identification, and help exclude individuals with greater speed. Aside from investigative efficiency, this technology provides accuracy, fairness, and better outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Rapid DNA technology allows for the swift analysis of DNA samples outside of traditional lab environments, delivering results in as little as 90 minutes. The quick analysis provides investigators with timely, actionable information that can greatly benefit case resolution and public safety.
The technology demonstrated its value in its first week of deployment when troopers obtained a blood sample from an ATM tampering case. The sample was compared to a DNA database, and in less than two hours, investigators received a notification identifying an investigative lead.
PSP follows all state and federal guidelines for DNA collection and privacy protections. Only Forensic Service Unit (FSU) members who have successfully completed the Department’s required training are authorized to operate the analyzers, and laboratory personnel conduct the necessary analysis to verify matches.
PSP’s expanded use of DNA testing and Rapid DNA has been supported by Governor Shapiro. The Shapiro Administration is working to build safer communities and ensure law enforcement is well-equipped, well-funded, and well-trained.
DNA Matters: How to Solve a DNA Mystery (Forensic – 5/19/2025)
It was in May 2020, on a Sunday COVID afternoon. I was in Pittsburgh, with testimony looming that week in the capital case of California v. Manuel Lopez. Zooming from home with Santa Clara Deputy Public Defender (DPD) Kelley Kulick, trying to solve a crazy DNA mystery.
So much evidence making so little sense. Weeks of transcripts from many witnesses nagged by DNA discrepancies—conflicting rectal swabs, immaculate mother, battered child. Something was missing, and we needed an answer soon.
Toddler Apollo Torres died in January 2016. He was 2 years and 10 months old. There were bruises to his face, genitals and rectum. An autopsy revealed brain swelling, skull fracture, cheek bruises and asphyxia. The boy’s rectal swab showed semen that matched the defendant’s DNA.
Manuel Lopez was accused of the crime. He was the new 22-year-old boyfriend of Samantha Torres, the victim’s mother. They lived together in a crowded messy house filled with friends, relatives and children—and a lot of stuff. A house stuffed with people’s DNA.
The county crime laboratory analyzed DNA from 97 house and victim evidence items. They generated autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) data. The DNA mixtures of 2, 3 and 4 people were hard—or impossible—for them to interpret.
SAKI Grant, Genealogy Help Solve 1985 Murder of 18-Year-Old (Forensic – 5/19/2025)
The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is announcing detectives have identified the person responsible for the 1985 murder of 18-year-old Christine Gallegos.
“This case highlights the determination of our detectives and the progress of forensic technology,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd. “We met with Christine’s family after today’s announcement to answer their questions and to help provide some closure. Their experience is a reminder of how painful these cases are. We remain committed to supporting victims’ families and to make sure they know we will never stop seeking justice.”
After nearly four decades of investigative work, the SLCPD’s Homicide Squad has officially closed this case.
Your Fingerprints are the Same Even When Wrinkled (Forensic – 5/19/2025)
Do your wrinkles always form in the same pattern every time you’re in the water for too long? According to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York, the answer is yes.
A couple of years ago, Binghamton University Associate Professor Guy German published research about why human skin wrinkles when you stay in the water too long. Received wisdom held that the water swelled your skin and made your fingers wrinkly, but little to no research had been done to prove that.
What German and his team at the Biological Soft Matter Mechanics Laboratory found is that blood vessels beneath the skin actually contract after prolonged immersion, and that’s where the wrinkles come from.
He wrote about the research for The Conversation — a nonprofit news organization that asks academics to share their expertise on current topics — as part of its Curious Kids feature. One of the follow-up questions stumped him, though.
San Diego Police Clear Rape Kit Backlog, Average Turnaround Now 45 Days (Forensic – 5/19/2025)
For the first time since 2019, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has zero untested Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs) – a major milestone years in the making. Thanks to investments and improvements in training, technology, workspace upgrades and improved workflows, the SDPD Crime Lab is now testing SAEKs faster than ever, averaging a 45-day turnaround, well ahead of the 145-day requirement set by California Senate Bill 22 (SB22).
These kits play a critical role in identifying sexual assault offenders, supporting prosecutions and delivering justice to survivors. When SB22 passed in 2019, law enforcement agencies across California were required to conduct more timely DNA analyses of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits. In August of that year, SDPD had an estimated 1,800 untested kits and in 2020 it turned to a contracted lab, Bode Cellmark Forensics, to help meet the mandate.
How to Solve a DNA Mystery: Part 2 (Forensic – 5/21/2025)
Samantha had transferred Manuel’s semen from her hands to Apollo’s bottom when changing him. The first hospital swabbing collected and removed this external anal semen DNA. At autopsy, no semen remained. That’s why the second “rectal” swab showed no DNA. Manuel’s DNA wasn’t in the child’s rectum because there was no sexual assault.
But Kulick and I hadn’t known all that when we’d prepared our trial materials. When I testified a few days later, we introduced these new exculpatory ideas for the first time. They were hard to convey.
Fortunately, a skeptical DDA Carolyn Powell hammered home my key points on cross-examination. Her questions let me explain more fully to the jury exactly why the DNA evidence didn’t point to Manuel. Nor to anyone. So much DNA, so little evidence.
The lawyers gave marathon closing arguments. First, Daugherty argued for guilt and the death penalty. Then, for 7 hours, Kulick repudiated the state’s forensic efforts. Using the TrueAllele results, and my semen transfer reasoning, Kulick proved there was no incriminating evidence. The jury agreed with her and the better DNA science. They acquitted Manual Lopez.
After California v. Lopez, Santa Clara County no longer seeks the death penalty. Kulick is now Judge Kelley Paul. Samantha was later convicted of child endangerment and being an accessory to murder.
Othram Identifies Deceased Man Living Under Assumed Identity 20 Years Later (Forensic – 5/21/2025)
In 2006, a man who had gone by the name “Steven A. Mason” for at least 10 years before his death, died of natural causes in his home in Apopka, a northern suburb of Orlando, Florida. He was identified visually by his wife, and his identity was confirmed with fingerprints. However, after he died, it was discovered that he was living under a fake name and his real identity was unknown.
He was described as a white man with blue eyes and short graying hair.He was between 45 to 65 years old when he died and his left earlobe was pierced twice and his right ear was not pierced. On his right forearm, he had a tattoo of “Yosemite Sam.” On his left forearm, he had a tattoo of the “Tazmanian Devil” and near his left wrist, he had a tattoo of a heart with an arrow through it. Despite efforts by investigators to determine who he was, his real identity was a mystery and details of the case were entered into NamUs as UP9397.
In 2024, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office teamed with Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the man. Othram scientists developed a DNA extract from the forensic evidence and used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile that can be used for forensic genetic genealogy analysis. Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) team used this profile to conduct extensive genetic genealogy research, ultimately providing new investigative leads to law enforcement to identify the man.
Governor Awards University Grant to Support Forensic Training for Law Enforcement (Forensic – 5/21/2025)
With continued support from the State of Alabama, Jacksonville State University will further its mission of serving law enforcement professionals through hands-on forensic training. Governor Kay Ivey has awarded $150,000 to Jax State’s Center for Applied Forensics as part of a larger $265,000 investment in statewide law enforcement training initiatives, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
“Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly to protect our communities by solving crimes and putting offenders behind bars,” Governor Ivey said in the announcement. “This important training offered by two of our best universities will equip officers with the knowledge and techniques they need to increase their skills and benefit public safety.”
The funding will enable Jacksonville State to continue offering training that helps officers recognize, preserve, and collect crucial evidence at crime scenes. Participants receive a comprehensive crime scene kit, and advanced workshops are available at no cost to officers or their departments.
Robodogs, Digital Forensics and Ghost Guns: Inside Interpol’s Innovation Lab (The Irish Times – 5/22/2025)
A fleet of underwater drones, gleaming and ready for action, is lined up along the wall. Nearby, a small armoury of brightly coloured, 3D-printed guns is displayed on a side table. A robot dog, named Inno, lies prone on the floor, waiting to be activated.
In the leafy Singapore suburb of Tanglin, over the road from the British high commission and the US embassy, and a block away from the botanic gardens, Interpol‘s innovation centre is where law enforcement officers from around the world come to analyse the latest strategies of organised criminals and develop techniques for bringing them down.
One side of a global arms race is being waged here, as the international police organisation tries to stay ahead of its increasingly sophisticated and professionalised criminal adversaries.
For a decade this modest research facility, kitted out with technology at the forefront of policing, has been a mecca for forensic scientists. The centre is set within Interpol’s large, fortified complex in Singapore, its second biggest office behind its headquarters in Lyon, France.
