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Most common case type solved by DNA in US by end of 2025?
2
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
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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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Gas Chamber • 25%
Lethal Injection • 25%
Electrocution • 25%
Other • 25%
Retail theft • 25%
Drug-related crimes • 25%
Organized retail crime • 25%
Other • 25%
Non-violent property crimes • 25%
Drug-related offenses • 25%
Other • 25%
Fraud-related offenses • 25%
Witness testimony • 25%
Other • 25%
New forensic evidence • 25%
Digital evidence • 25%
Unclear or inconclusive • 25%
No copycat crimes reported • 25%
One copycat crime reported • 25%
Multiple copycat crimes reported • 25%
Work-related issues • 25%
Other • 25%
Deportation proceedings • 25%
Family reunification • 25%
No results released • 25%
Inconclusive results • 25%
Not confirmed as murder weapon • 25%
Confirmed as murder weapon • 25%
Other charges • 25%
Drug sales • 25%
Theft-related charges • 25%
Drug possession • 25%
Sentence reduction • 25%
Appeal filed • 25%
No major development • 25%
Pardon granted • 25%
Other • 25%
Theft • 25%
Assault • 25%
Vandalism • 25%