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Tag: COLD
Forensics TTA

Legal Document Repository

This repository provides a centralized collection of legal documents related to cold case investigations and prosecutions. It contains opinions, motions, warrants, and other relevant legal documents such as court orders and affidavits. This repository aims to assist investigators, prosecutors, and other criminal justice professionals in navigating the legal complexities often associated with cold cases, including those involving emerging tools like Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG).
April 2026
Dark grey-filled circle with a woman holding a sword and a justice scale inside
Highlights

Familial DNA technology leads to conviction in 1999 Bronx child murder

More than two decades after a 13‑year‑old girl disappeared while walking home from school in the Bronx, the case has been resolved. On February 24, 1999, Minerliz Soriano was last seen alive in the Pelham Parkway neighborhood. Four days later, her body was discovered in a dumpster in Co‑op City; she had been sexually assaulted and strangled. Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case went cold. In 2019, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department reopened the investigation using familial DNA analysis. Biological evidence preserved from the original investigation was submitted for advanced testing, which generated a familial match and an investigative lead. Follow‑up investigation and direct DNA comparison confirmed that the genetic profile belonged to Joseph Martinez, also known as “Jupiter Joe.” Martinez was arrested in November 2021 and, following a jury trial, was convicted in November 2025 of two counts of second‑degree murder. On March 26, 2026, he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. This prosecution marked the first case in New York City to be solved using familial DNA, demonstrating the power of advanced forensic technologies and long‑term investigative persistence to deliver justice for victims and their families decades after a crime occurs. This case was supported through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program, which provides resources to help prosecutors apply modern forensic tools and investigative strategies to unresolved violent crimes.
April 2026
Forensics TTA

DNA Basics: Understanding the Science and Tools Behind DNA Kinship Analysis

This presentation features Michelle Halsing, Assistant Laboratory Director of the Missing Persons DNA Program at the California Department of Justice. It is tailored for non-laboratory criminal justice professionals—including investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates, and program administrators—seeking to strengthen their foundational understanding of forensic DNA testing, with a particular focus on kinship analysis. The presentation offers an overview of the forensic DNA testing process, explains how DNA profiles are searched and compared within the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and outlines the capabilities and limitations of these tools in both investigative and judicial settings. Viewers are also introduced to the fundamental principles of forensic DNA kinship analysis, supported by discussions of real-world case applications, common testing strategies, and key considerations for interpreting laboratory reports. This resource highlights the critical role of kinship analysis in supporting missing persons investigations, unidentified human remains cases, and other complex forensic scenarios.
February 2026
Forensics TTA

2026 Forensics TTA Calendar of National and Regional Events

The Forensics TTA calendar of events provides a centralized view of national and large-scale regional conferences, trainings, and other events of interest to BJA Forensics Program grantees. This calendar is a downloadable resource designed to assist grantees with effective planning of event attendance when supported by BJA Forensics Program funding. Event entries are color coded by event type – conferences, trainings, and other (e.g., meetings, convenings). Clicking on a color-coded event entry produces a pop-up box which provides information including its name, date(s), and location along with a direct link to the event’s main page for additional details such as the agenda and registration, travel, and lodging information. Questions about applying or utilizing BJA funding to attend any events presented on this calendar should be directed to your assigned BJA Policy and Programs Office representatives. Explore the calendar today and contact the Forensics TTA team via Forensicstta@rti.org with any questions or suggestions for ensuring this resource best fits your needs! 
February 2026
Dark grey-filled circle with a woman holding a sword and a justice scale inside
Highlights

DNA leads to suspect in 1998 rape and killing of nurse at Maryland hospital

Nearly three decades after the 1998 rape and murder of 50-year-old nurse, Sherry Crandell, the Prince George’s County Police Department announced the case has been solved. Crandell was found tied up, raped, and strangled in her office at the former Prince George’s County Medical Center in Cheverly, Maryland. Despite an extensive investigation, no arrests were made at the time. In December 2021, investigators revisited preserved DNA evidence and obtained a warrant to analyze it using Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG). With assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Baltimore Investigative Genetic Genealogy Team, police identified Edward Watts, also known as Baari Shabazz, as the suspect in late 2025. Watts died in 2019, so no charges can be filed. The investigation was supported by Bureau of Justice Assistance Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program grants awarded to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Prince George’s County Police Department to expand FGG testing in cold cases.
November 2025
Dark grey-filled circle with a woman holding a sword and a justice scale inside
Highlights

Advanced forensic analysis brings long-awaited answers in 2007 Rhode Island homicide

Eighteen years after Cynthia McKenna was found murdered in her North Providence apartment, Rhode Island authorities delivered definitive answers in a case that had long haunted her family. On February 21, 2007, McKenna was discovered unresponsive in her bed, and the state medical examiner later determined she died from asphyxiation caused by blocked airways. Despite early investigative efforts and the emergence of a prime suspect, the case stalled due to limited forensic capabilities. In 2024, using funding from BJA’s Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit reopened the investigation, applying modern forensic tools and a comprehensive re‑examination of evidence. Investigators re-evaluated confession letters written shortly after the murder and employed advanced DNA analysis, including Y‑STR testing, on biological material recovered from an envelope. The testing linked the DNA to a direct male relative of the suspect, helping to confirm authorship of the letters and corroborating witness statements and investigative findings. Based on the totality of the evidence—including forensic analysis, confirmed confessions, witness testimony, and gaps in the suspect’s alibi—the Cold Case Unit concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Robert J. Corry, Jr. murdered Cynthia McKenna. Although Corry died in 2014 and criminal charges could not be filed, the findings brought long‑overdue clarity and resolution to McKenna’s family and formally closed the case. By combining advanced DNA technology with meticulous investigative review, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit demonstrated that even long‑dormant cases can reach meaningful resolution—affirming that the pursuit of justice does not end with time, and that answers remain possible years after a crime occurs.
October 2025
Dark grey-filled circle with a woman holding a sword and a justice scale inside
Highlights

Boston Police launch website seeking public assistance to reignite unsolved homicide investigations dating back to 1963

In a bold step to advance justice for victims and families impacted by decades‑old homicides, the Boston Police Department has launched a comprehensive Unsolved Homicide website spotlighting cases dating back to 1963. The initiative represents an innovative, community‑centered strategy to generate new investigative leads and breathe new life into cases that have long remained unresolved. By making case information publicly accessible, the platform leverages transparency and technology to expand the investigative reach beyond traditional methods. The site features concise case summaries, victim photographs when available, and clear, direct pathways for the public to submit tips—empowering community members to play an active role in the pursuit of justice. Several of the cases highlighted on the website are being actively worked with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program, which provides critical resources to help agencies revisit cold cases using modern forensic tools and investigative strategies. By pairing public engagement with DNA‑driven cold case initiatives, the department is strengthening its ability to uncover new evidence and advance stalled investigations. This forward‑looking approach demonstrates how law enforcement agencies can maximize the impact of federal funding by combining technology, transparency, and community trust. Through this initiative, the Boston Police Department is not only revitalizing cold case investigations but also reaffirming its long‑term commitment to accountability, innovation, and bringing long‑awaited resolution to victims’ families and the broader community. To view the Unsolved Homicide website, visit: https://police.boston.gov/homicide-unit/.
October 2025
Events

3rd Annual BJA Forensics Programs Grantees Meeting

On behalf of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Forensics Training and Technical Assistance (Forensics TTA) Team, led by RTI International, is hosting the 3rd Annual BJA Forensics Programs Grantees Meeting on June 9-10, 2025! 

This year’s virtual meeting will offer a series of educational case studies and sessions, covering key topics of significant interest to grantees across the BJA Forensics Programs. These include the application of forensic genetic genealogy in wrongful conviction investigations, innovative strategies for solving long-term missing and unidentified person cases, the evolving legal landscape for forensic evidence in light of Smith v. Arizona, implementing Rapid DNA technology in accordance with upcoming standards updates, the impact of turnaround times on death investigations, essential grant management practices, and more.

Program-specific breakout discussions will also be featured to provide grantees with a unique opportunity to learn more from respective BJA staff and other grantees. 

June 2025
Forensics TTA

2025 Forensics TTA Calendar of National Events

The Forensics TTA calendar of events provides a centralized view of national conferences, trainings, and other events of interest to BJA Forensics Program grantees. This calendar is a downloadable resource designed to assist grantees with effective planning of event attendance when supported by BJA Forensics Program funding. Event entries are color coded by event type – conferences, trainings, and other (e.g., meetings, convenings). Clicking on a color-coded event entry produces a pop-up box which provides information including its name, date(s), and location along with a direct link to the event’s main page for additional details such as the agenda and registration, travel, and lodging information. Questions about applying or utilizing BJA funding to attend any events presented on this calendar should be directed to your assigned BJA Policy and Programs Office representatives. Explore the calendar today and contact the Forensics TTA team via ForensicsTTA@rti.org with any questions or suggestions for ensuring this resource best fits your needs!
May 2025