Top10 Cold Cases Solved by DNA

These Top 10 Cold Cases Solved by DNA showcase how forensic science and genetic genealogy have transformed justice. From deeply buried evidence to family tree matching, technology gives a voice to victims and closure to families—even decades later

1. The Golden State Killer – Joseph DeAngelo (1974–86)

One of the most notorious cases ever solved with DNA was that of the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo. His crimes spanned California from the mid 1970s through the 1980s. In 2018, investigators used genetic genealogy—combining crime scene DNA with public ancestry databases—to trace familial links and eventually match DeAngelo via discarded items like napkins or a razor. He was arrested and tied to 13 murders, over 50 rapes, and numerous burglaries.

📚 The New York Times – How the Golden State Killer Was Caught

2. Murder of Anna Jean Kane (1988, Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania's cold case of Anna Jean Kane, brutally killed in 1988, remained unsolved for decades. Using advanced DNA genetic genealogy in 2022, investigators identified Scott Grim as the killer. Authorities linked DNA evidence from the crime to relatives in public databases, leading to his arrest and resolving a mystery over 30 years old.

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3. Nancy Marie Bennallack (1970, Sacramento)

Nancy Bennallack, a 28 year old court reporter stabbed to death in 1970, had no answers for over 50 years. In 2022, forensic genealogy pinpointed Richard John Davis as her killer. Though deceased by then, DNA from family members in public databases confirmed his involvement, bringing...Read More