Suspect Identified in Unsolved Murder of Margaret Anselmo

Spokane Police have identified Brian J. Anderson, now deceased, as the suspect in the 1997 murder of Margaret Anselmo. Her body was discovered in an alley with evidence of severe head trauma and indications of sexual assault. Detectives initially faced challenges linking a suspect to the case but later utilized Forensic Genetic Genealogy to analyze preserved evidence. A local genealogist helped by identifying Anderson's relatives, who provided DNA that confirmed his relationship to the profile.

The Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled Anselmo's death as homicide due to blunt force trauma. If alive, the police would pursue charges of 1st Degree Murder and 1st Degree Rape against Anderson. This breakthrough in the cold case is significant for the grieving family seeking justice. The case highlights the evolving role of genetic genealogy in solving historic crimes.