Woman's 1994 murder solved with help of DNA and digital facial image
Steven Smerk, 51, will face second-degree murder charges in Virginia.
Cold Case
Man allegedly confesses to "ice-blooded murder" of woman in 1979
A man walked into an FBI field office in Oregon and confessed to bludgeoning a woman to death more than four decades ago, prosecutors say.
The Brighton Ax Murder
A young mother is killed in her bed, her toddler unharmed. Unsolved for 40 years, how the unusual crime scene helped close the case. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Mom who abandoned newborn in N.J. park in 1984 is identified, charged
The infant, dubbed "Baby Mary" by a police chaplain, was found by two young boys in a secluded park in Mendham Township.
Killer identified in Massachusetts "Lady of the Dunes" cold case
Nearly 50 years after the "Lady of the Dunes" was found dead in Massachusetts, police have identified the murderer as her husband.
Killer ID'd 36 years after college student murdered on Arizona trail
Other hikers heard Sposito scream for help but she was dead by the time they got to her, the sheriff said.
How a DNA "detective" helped solve "unsolvable" cold case
Roxanne Wood's murder in 1987 went cold for more than three decades before a genetic genealogist made a breakthrough.
Police collect a cigarette butt to help close a decades-old cold case
Roxanne Wood was murdered in 1987, but the case went cold for more than three decades. In 2021, investigators collected a crucial piece of evidence that would help close the case: a cigarette butt.
Meet the DNA "detective" who helped solve a decades-old cold case
In February 1987, Roxanne Wood was viciously murdered in her Niles, Michigan, home. DNA that was preserved from the scene helped crack the case more than three decades later.
California woman's 1991 killer identified with DNA left under fingernails
Authorities submitted additional evidence for testing after Vicki Johnson's unsolved murder case was reopened recently, along with other cold cases.
Man convicted of abuse of corpse 13 years after Kentucky teen vanished
Paige Johnson's remains were found in 2020 by a hiker near the area investigators had searched after the teen disappeared in 2010.
Man arrested in woman's cold case killing after informants come forward
Samantha Lang was last seen alive about 24 hours before a friend found her body surrounded by a pool of blood in her living room in 2007.
Man charged with murder in 1993 killing of 12-year-old Florida girl
The 61-year-old alleged killer was charged 30 years after Jennifer Odom vanished shortly after getting off a school bus in Florida.
83-year-old former pastor charged with 1975 murder of 8-year-old girl
An 8-year-old girl was killed on a summer day in 1975. Police have finally arrested her alleged killer, an 83-year-old former pastor.
42 years after beauty school student found dead, her killer is identified
Evidence collected at the crime scene, including a cigarette butt, a pillow and a glass bottle, revealed a male DNA profile.
Link between Long Island suspect and Vegas probed
Police in Las Vegas are checking unsolved murders for any possible connection to the man suspected of killing four women in Long Island.
Police search Long Island murder suspect's home
Police say they found more than 200 guns in a walled-off vault in the home of accused serial killer Rex Heurmann. He is charged with the murders of three women and is suspected of killing a fourth. Elaine Quijano has the latest.
Suspect arrested in Gilgo Beach serial killings
Thanks to DNA evidence from a discarded pizza box, a Manhattan architect has been charged in connection with a series of murders that occurred over a decade ago on Long Island's Gilgo Beach. Beginning in 2010, 11 people were found slain in the Gilgo Beach area. Suspect Rex Heuermann has so far been charged in connection with three of the murders. Meg Oliver has the latest.
Body found in Canadian river in 1975 identified as U.S. businesswoman
The investigation that followed Langford's identification eventually led to an 81-year-old man's arrest in Hollywood, Florida.
$500K offered 26 years after Australian woman found dead beneath cliff
The reward comes as officials across Australia begin to offer large monetary prizes in exchange for tips that would solve longstanding cold cases.
Woman sentenced in baby girl's death 38 years after dog found her body
The woman was sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter after abandoning her newborn daughter in a gravel pit in northern Maine.
Remains found stuffed in garment bag in 1978 in Nevada finally identified
How Florence Charleston wound up buried in a shallow grave 535 miles away from her new home is still a mystery.
DNA from glass and glove link lawyer to sexual assaults, prosecutor says
The charges stem from four attacks that happened in Boston from 2007 through 2008 a time that authorities say Matthew Nilo lived in the city.
$1M reward offered in 50-year-old case of missing Australian boy
Jimmy Taylor was 12 years old when he disappeared in August 1974. He was last seen at a store near his home in western Australia.
After 1986 murder victim identified, officials face "brand new mystery"
Police said that after confirming the woman's identity, they are constructing a timeline of her life to try to solve her murder.
Breaking
Gaetz ethics report says his drug use, sex with a minor violated state laws
A report by the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex.
Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
President Biden is granting clemency to 37 of the 40 federal inmates facing death sentences. Their sentences will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to state murder, terrorism charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Honda and Nissan announce plans to merge
Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge, forming world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels.
Woman fatally set on fire while sleeping on NYC subway, police say
A woman died after she was set on fire aboard the New York City subway on an F train in Brooklyn, police say.
Who are the three federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden did not commute
President Biden left in place the capital sentences of Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Over 1,000 North Korean casualties in Russia-Ukraine war, South Korea says
North Korea has sent thousands of troops to reinforce the Russian military in its war against Ukraine.
U.S.
More U.S.
Nordstrom to go private in $6.25 billion deal with Nordstrom family
Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal.
Who are the three federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden did not commute
President Biden left in place the capital sentences of Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Read the full Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee has released its long-awaited report on allegations of misconduct by former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Read the full report here.
Walmart accused of illegally opening costly accounts for drivers
Walmart and Branch Messenger, a payments platform, accused of deceiving workers about pay from retailer for two years.
The Container Store says it's filing for bankruptcy protection
The Container Store said it is filing for bankruptcy protection after years of losses and declining sales.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Nordstrom to go private in $6.25 billion deal with Nordstrom family
Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal.
Walmart accused of illegally opening costly accounts for drivers
Walmart and Branch Messenger, a payments platform, accused of deceiving workers about pay from retailer for two years.
The Container Store says it's filing for bankruptcy protection
The Container Store said it is filing for bankruptcy protection after years of losses and declining sales.
Honda and Nissan announce plans to merge
Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge, forming world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Politics
More Politics
Who are the three federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden did not commute
President Biden left in place the capital sentences of Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Read the full Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee has released its long-awaited report on allegations of misconduct by former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Read the full report here.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
President Biden is granting clemency to 37 of the 40 federal inmates facing death sentences. Their sentences will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
Are you contagious? Here's when you're most likely to spread COVID, flu, RSV
How long are you contagious after getting COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more? Here's what to know to keep others safe this holiday season.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
World
More World
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Australia approves extradition of former U.S. Marine
Former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan will be extradited from Australia to the United States over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese aviators.
Philippines says it will buy U.S. Typhon missile system, angering China
The Philippines says it plans to buy the U.S. Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race."
Over 1,000 North Korean casualties in Russia-Ukraine war, South Korea says
North Korea has sent thousands of troops to reinforce the Russian military in its war against Ukraine.
Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Meet the man behind Bergdorf Goodman's iconic holiday windows
This year's holiday displays at Bergdorf Goodman honor Fifth Avenue's bicentennial and will be on display through Jan. 6.
Samara Joy on new album, family tour
Samara Joy, the 25-year-old jazz sensation and three-time Grammy winner, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about her new album "Portrait" and her holiday tour with family.
Boyd Holbrook on his role as Johnny Cash
In the highly anticipated film "A Complete Unknown," Boyd Holbrook portrays Johnny Cash and brings to life the music legend's early interactions with Bob Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet. Holbrook joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about the role.
Blake Lively accuses costar of smear campaign
Actress and producer Blake Lively has accused Justin Baldoni, her costar and the director of "It Ends with Us," of repeated sexual harassment on set and of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni's attorney called the claims "categorically false."
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Technology
More Technology
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Science
More Science
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Mangione attorney speaks at arraignment
During Luigi Mangione's arraignment on New York state charges Monday, his attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, addressed the court about concerns she has about Mangione having a fair trial in the case. Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges stemming from the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Inside Mangione arraignment on state charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday morning to the New York state murder and terrorism charges he's facing for allegedly shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano and CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi have the latest.
CEO killing suspect to be arraigned
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to appear in a New York court Monday to face state charges, including first-degree murder as a crime of terrorism.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to state murder, terrorism charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Space
More Space
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Tips for travel this holiday season
More than 119 million Americans will travel for the holiday season, according to AAA. Megan Spurrell, associate director of articles for Condé Nast Traveler, has tips on what to expect.
Ethics report: Gaetz paid for sex with minor
The House Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz says it found evidence the former congressman paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl and used illegal drugs, according to a final draft of the comprehensive investigative report obtained by CBS News. Gaetz has denied the allegations. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
Mangione attorney speaks at arraignment
During Luigi Mangione's arraignment on New York state charges Monday, his attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, addressed the court about concerns she has about Mangione having a fair trial in the case. Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges stemming from the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Samara Joy on new album, family tour
Samara Joy, the 25-year-old jazz sensation and three-time Grammy winner, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about her new album "Portrait" and her holiday tour with family.
Inside Mangione arraignment on state charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday morning to the New York state murder and terrorism charges he's facing for allegedly shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano and CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi have the latest.