Suspect Identified in Unsolved Murder of Margaret Anselmo

Spokane Police confirmed Brian J. Anderson as the suspect in the 1997 murder of Margaret Anselmo, utilizing Forensic Genetic Genealogy to connect him to the crime. Anselmo's body was found on January 3, 1997, in an alley, with evidence indicating severe head trauma and sexual assault. Detectives, after years of investigation without a suspect, sought assistance from a genetic genealogy firm, Othram. Local genealogist Lynda Keenan helped identify relatives of a DNA profile developed from preserved evidence.

Family members provided DNA samples that revealed Anderson's identity as the suspect, with one relative identified as his child and another as his half-brother. The Spokane Police Department indicated they would charge Anderson with first-degree murder and rape if he were alive today. This significant breakthrough offers potential closure for Anselmo's surviving family. The case underscores the impact of forensic advancements in solving cold cases.