BCA Investigators Highlight How New Tech Is Helping Solve Cold Cases
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The state's top crime investigators showed off new technology Monday that helps solves old crimes.
Last week, prosecutors said DNA evidence linked Danny Heinrich to the kidnapping and sexual assault of Jared Scheierl.
The attack happened in Cold Spring in January of 1989.
Nine months later, a masked gunman abducted Jacob Wetterling near his home in St. Joseph.
Due to the similarities, investigators have named Heinrich a person of interest in the Wetterling case.
While Monday's demonstration was not to discuss those kidnappings, the BCA says advances in DNA testing are helping solve more cold cases.
The technology used now is far more sensitive than it was in the early 1990s.
"Essentially, we would need the size of a sample stain would have to be a quarter size or larger. The additional technology we can obtain full profiles from samples we can't even see," said Catherine Knutson, the director of Forensic Science Services at the BCA.
Some of the other technological advancements include the introduction of specialized cell testing, which is used with hair evidence or to identify human remains.
On Tuesday, Patty and Jerry Wetterling will talk to the media about the new developments in their son's disappearance.