Washington County cold case: DNA genealogy names victim 33 years after dismemberment
DNA genealogy names victim in Washington Co. cold case
DNA genealogy has identified the body of the victim of a 33-year-old cold case in Washington County. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has more.
SCANDIA, Minn. (FOX 9) - A decades-old murder mystery has finally reached a turning point, but investigators say there is still much work ahead.
Breakthrough DNA evidence identifies victim after decades
Washington County cold case: DNA genealogy names victim 33 years after dismemberment
Washington County investigators used DNA and genealogy to identify a woman dismembered in 1993 as Denise Hartley. The case remained unsolved for 33 years, with body parts found at two lakes 40 miles apart. Investigators now face new questions as they search for Hartley’s killer and connect with her past acquaintances. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has the story.
What we know:
Washington County investigators confirmed that scientific advancements in DNA analysis and genealogy helped them identify the woman dismembered in 1993 as Denise Hartley. "It's very exciting news," said Det. Clayton Evens, Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Victim identified in cold case death 33 years ago
Authorities announced a breakthrough in a cold case when DNA technology was used to identify the remains of a woman found more than 30 years ago. FOX 9's Rob Olson spoke with Corin Hoggard to learn more about the case.
Police found a foot at Pig’s Eye Lake in June 1993, just a day after discovering a severed head at Bone Lake, about 40 miles away. Hartley, 27, was the youngest of 15 siblings and had moved from Ohio to St. Paul in 1992, leaving her daughter with family. Despite a police sketch and ongoing efforts, investigators struggled to connect Hartley to the remains for years.
The only major clue at the time was a phone confession from an unidentified man who said more body parts could be found under the Mendota Bridge. Police could not trace the call, and a search of the area found nothing. "You know, it could have been the suspect. Absolutely. Could have just been some random person," said Evens.
For years, investigators had little to go on. "It came to a point where there was realistically not a lot else they could do," said Evens.
The backstory:
In 1993, the case baffled authorities. "I can't say whether there may be other victims. It's definitely a very sick person. It might be more than one person. Until we have her identity we have no idea what we have," said Capt. David Heuer, Washington County Sheriff's Office at the time.
There was no missing persons report for Hartley, and the police sketch did not resemble her earlier photos. This left investigators with almost no leads to follow, and the case stayed open for decades.
New technology opens doors for investigators
Image shared by the Washington County Sheriff's Office shows Denise Hartley with her daughter. (Supplied)
What's next:
The DNA Doe Project played a key role by investing in genealogical testing, which pointed to a second cousin and then to Hartley’s daughter. New testing confirmed Hartley as the victim, providing closure for her family and opening new avenues for investigators.
"So now that's our job to really open this case up, to talk to anybody that we can actually figure out who she was with," said Evens. Investigators now plan to identify and interview any living acquaintances of Hartley, hoping to finally solve the case and bring justice for her.
Image shared by the Washington County Sheriff's Office shows Denise Hartley with her mother. (Supplied)
Local perspective:
The identification of Hartley offers her family long-awaited answers, but for the community and investigators, the search for her killer continues. The case highlights both the power of new forensic technology and the challenges that remain in solving cold cases.
Investigators hope that by reconnecting with Hartley’s past, they can find the person responsible for her death. They say they remain committed to bringing justice to her family and the community.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not identified any suspects in Hartley’s killing, and it remains unclear who made the anonymous phone call in 1993.
Investigators are still working to determine who Hartley was with before her death and what led to her murder.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 651-430-7850.
The Source: This story uses information shared by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.