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Most common case type solved by DNA in US by end of 2025?
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Resolution / Starting Odds
Homicide • 25%
Sexual Assault • 25%
Burglary • 25%
Other • 25%
Official statistics from law enforcement agencies or major news reports summarizing case resolutions
Story
James Vanest Identified in 1981 Murder of Debra Lee Miller Solved with DNA Technology
Dec 31, 2024, 09:25 PM
Authorities in Ohio have solved the 1981 murder of Debra Lee Miller, an 18-year-old waitress from Mansfield, using advanced DNA technology. James Vanest, her 68-year-old upstairs neighbor at the time, was identified as the suspect. Vanest had been questioned in the original investigation but was not charged. The case was reopened in 2021 to leverage advancements in forensic techniques, leading to a DNA match from evidence at the scene, including murder weapons such as pots, pans, and oven grates. The initial investigation had been mired in allegations of police misconduct. Vanest fled after being re-interviewed and was later indicted on unrelated federal gun charges. In November 2024, he was killed in a shootout with law enforcement while they attempted to serve the indictment. Police consider the case closed and hope the resolution provides closure to Miller's family.
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Other • 25%
Rape • 25%
Abduction • 25%
Robbery • 25%
Other • 25%
Lethal Injection • 25%
Electrocution • 25%
Gas Chamber • 25%
Drug-related offenses • 25%
Murder • 25%
Sexual assault • 25%
Other violent crimes • 25%
Retail theft • 25%
Other • 25%
Organized retail crime • 25%
Drug-related crimes • 25%
Other • 25%
Non-violent property crimes • 25%
Fraud-related offenses • 25%
Drug-related offenses • 25%
Other • 25%
New forensic evidence • 25%
Witness testimony • 25%
Digital evidence • 25%
One copycat crime reported • 25%
Unclear or inconclusive • 25%
Multiple copycat crimes reported • 25%
No copycat crimes reported • 25%
Convicted on some charges • 25%
Convicted on all charges • 25%
Mistrial • 25%
Acquitted • 25%
Other • 25%
Family reunification • 25%
Work-related issues • 25%
Deportation proceedings • 25%