DNA Evidence Might Help Solve Anoka Cold Case
ANOKA, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Anoka County Sheriff's Department is hoping new DNA evidence will help them crack a cold case from the 1980s.
It's been nearly 25 years since Armonjean Mason was killed, but her family still remembers the tragedy like it was yesterday.
"She didn't deserve to die like this," said her sister, Diane Anderson.
A mother of two, Armonjean worked as a nurse's aid. She drove a White Chevy Monte Carlo right before her death. Police say she had puncture wounds on her chest and marks on her ankles and wrists.
"She was the kind of person everybody loved. She always brought a smile to everybody's faces. She didn't have any enemies out there," said Anderson.
Police searched for her killer while the case went cold, but it was never closed. In 2010, the BCA did a DNA test that was not available back in 1987.
"There were able to isolate what is known as a Y chromosome DNA sample," said Commander Paul Sommer with the Anoka County Sheriff's Department.
There were five suspects. Police were able to eliminate all but one, her estranged husband.
"That man's name is Harry Mason," said Sommer. "He claimed that he had not seen Armonjean at least a month before her death."
This type of DNA test isn't 100 percent, however.
"It's not conclusive that we can move forward with any type of criminal charge" said Sommer.
Investigators and the family are hoping someone can give them the evidence they need to lock up Armonjean's killer.
"I've been praying for this day, and I hope that someone out there will give my family some closure today," said Anderson.
If you have any information please call the Anoka County Sheriff's Department.
