Suspect Identified in Unsolved Murder of Margaret Anselmo

Spokane Police named Brian J. Anderson as the suspect in the 1997 murder of Margaret Anselmo. Anselmo's body was discovered on January 3, 1997, in an alley, exhibiting severe head trauma and signs of sexual assault. The Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide due to blunt force trauma. Despite years of investigation, detectives struggled to find a suspect until they utilized Forensic Genetic Genealogy.

Othram, a forensic genetics company, analyzed preserved evidence and successfully matched it to Anderson's relatives. Family members provided DNA samples and expressed a desire to assist the investigation, which confirmed Anderson as the suspect. Had Anderson been alive, Spokane Police would have sought charges of first-degree murder and first-degree rape. This case highlights the advancements in forensic science that can reopen cold cases and bring closure to victims' families.