Genetic Genealogy Helps Crack Cold Cases in New Hampshire

Summary:

• The Portsmouth Police Department in New Hampshire leveraged genetic genealogy to solve a 42-year-old murder case, leading to the identification of the perpetrator.
• Genetic genealogy has also been instrumental in resolving other cold cases, such as the Bearbrook State Park murders, attributed to serial killer Terry Resmusin.
• Over 100 cold cases remain open in New Hampshire, spanning several decades, but law enforcement is committed to never giving up on seeking justice.

The Portsmouth Police Department in New Hampshire has turned to genetic genealogy as a valuable resource in solving cold cases. In a recent breakthrough, investigators utilized DNA technology to track down the culprit behind a decades-old murder, shedding light on the potential of genetic genealogy in solving mysteries that had long gone unsolved.

Genetic genealogy has emerged as a game-changer in the world of crime-solving. Leveraging technological advancements in DNA analysis, the Portsmouth Police Department successfully closed a 42-year-old case involving the murder of Laura Kempton. By re-examining physical evidence from the crime scene and subjecting it to forensic analysis, they were able to generate a DNA profile that ultimately led them to identify Ronnie James Lee as the perpetrator. This triumph underscores the importance of staying at the forefront of DNA technology in law enforcement investigations. Genetic genealogy has also played a pivotal role in resolving other cold cases across New Hampshire. Notably, it helped identify a woman and three young girls whose remains were discovered in two 55-gallon drums at Bearbrook State Park in 1985 and 2000. The genealogical clues pointed to the involvement of serial killer Terry Resmusin, who remains one of the most infamous criminals in the state's history. Despite these significant breakthroughs, more than 100 cold cases are still open in New Hampshire, spanning unsolved murders, suspicious deaths, and missing person reports. Some of these cases date back to the 1960s, making them particularly challenging to investigate. However, the Attorney General has assured the public that their resolve to seek justice remains unwavering. The promise is clear: law enforcement will never stop working on these cases, and those who have committed homicides will never evade justice indefinitely. Marissa Tansen, reporting for OWMUR News 9.

The power of genetic genealogy in cracking cold cases cannot be understated. As technology continues to advance, there is hope that more mysteries will be unraveled, and closure will be brought to the families of victims. The dedication of law enforcement in New Hampshire to pursue justice sends a strong message to criminals that they will never escape accountability.