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. On January 3, 1997, Anselmo's body was found in an alley with evidence of severe head trauma and signs of sexual assault. The Spokane County Medical Examiner classified her death as a homicide caused by blunt force trauma. After years of investigation, detectives turned to Forensic Genetic Genealogy, which led to Anderson's identification.

A genealogist helped link Anderson's relatives, who provided DNA confirming his connection to the crime. The analysis revealed that one relative was his child and another was his half-brother. If alive today, authorities would charge Anderson with first-degree murder and first-degree rape. This advancement in the case highlights the potential of modern forensic techniques in solving cold cases.