While they are not revealing the names of the victim nor the suspect, police say that DNA technology helped to solve a nearly 29 year old attempted murder cold case in Scott County. The suspect, who moved out of the state shortly after the crime was committed and subsequently died in 2003 was identified using advanced DNA technology known as familial DNA, according to Indiana State Police Sgt. Carey Huls.
In May 1995, investigators from the Indiana State Police and Scott County Sheriff’s Office investigated an attempted murder, assault, and robbery that occurred in rural Scott County. Evidence, including DNA evidence, was collected when the case was initially investigated. Numerous leads were followed at the time with no clear suspects being identified.
“With the advancement in DNA technology, the collected DNA was entered into the national DNA database in August of 2000. This resulted in no matches to known individuals being found,” said Huls.
In 2018, the use of familial DNA was being used as the latest investigative tool in cases where a DNA sample had been collected of an unidentified and unknown suspect. This technique involves comparing the DNA sample against databases of known individuals to look for family members of potential suspects. When a family member is identified, investigators can use investigative tools and genealogy to identify a suspect.
The familial DNA testing was completed in August of last year by Parabon Laboratories. A close family relative of a suspect was initially identified by this DNA testing. An extensive investigation was then carried out by detectives, lab analysts, intelligence analysts, and well-known genealogist CeCe Moore to finally identify a suspect months later.
The suspect was in his early 30s when the crime occurred. The investigation determined that he lived near the scene of the crime and was able to be connected to the victim in the case through subsequent interviews and investigation.
Authorities learned that the suspect moved out of state after the crime occurred and later died in 2003.
Indiana State Police Detective Lieutenant Delmer Gross, Detectives Matt Busick and Brian Busick, along with former Scott County Sheriff John Lizenby and Detective Rick Barrett worked closely together to bring this nearly 30 year old case to a conclusion, said Huls.
“While no charges are able to be filed in this case, investigators are pleased to be able to bring this case to a close,” said Huls.
It is the policy of the Indiana State Police to not name potential suspects unless and until formal charges are filed. Therefore, the suspect’s identity will not be released, Huls said.