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, whose body was found in an alley with severe head trauma and indications of sexual assault. The Spokane County Medical Examiner determined her death was a homicide due to blunt force trauma. Detectives initially struggled to identify a suspect until they employed Forensic Genetic Genealogy techniques, linking Anderson to the crime. Relatives of Anderson provided DNA that confirmed him as the only viable suspect based on kinship analysis.

If alive today, authorities would seek first-degree murder and first-degree rape charges against him. The case highlights the effectiveness of modern forensic techniques in solving cold cases. Spokane Police are actively seeking additional information from the public to aid their investigation. Community involvement remains crucial in bringing justice for victims and their families.