Suspect Identified in Unsolved Murder of Margaret Anselmo

Spokane Police have identified Brian J. Anderson as the suspect in the 1997 murder of Margaret Anselmo, utilizing forensic genetic genealogy. Anselmo's body was found in an alley on January 3, 1997, with severe head trauma and signs of sexual assault. Investigators initially struggled to link a suspect to the homicide, which was ruled as blunt force trauma by the Spokane County Medical Examiner. With advancements in forensic genetic genealogy, evidence from the crime scene was sent to a specialized company, leading to the development of a suspect profile.

Local genealogist Lynda Keenan assisted detectives by identifying Anderson's relatives, who provided DNA that confirmed his familial connections. The analysis revealed that one family member was Anderson’s child, while another was his half-brother. If alive, Anderson would face charges of first-degree murder and first-degree rape. The Spokane Police encourage anyone with additional information to contact Crime Check.