Suspect Identified in Unsolved Murder of Margaret Anselmo

The Spokane Police Department confirmed Brian J. Anderson as the suspect in the 1997 murder of Margaret Anselmo, utilizing advanced forensic genetic genealogy techniques. Anselmo, found dead on January 3, 1997, exhibited severe head trauma and signs of sexual assault. Initial investigations failed to produce a suspect, prompting detectives to seek assistance from a specialized firm in forensic genealogy. The evidence preserved from the crime scene was sent to Othram in Texas, where a DNA profile was created.

Local genealogist Lynda Keenan helped identify Anderson's relatives, who provided DNA samples that linked them to the suspect. The kinship analysis revealed that one relative was Anderson's child and another was his half-brother, conclusively identifying him as the perpetrator. If he were alive, the Spokane Police would charge Anderson with 1st Degree Murder and 1st Degree Rape. This breakthrough highlights the potential of forensic genetic genealogy in solving cold cases.