Suspect Identified in Unsolved Murder of Margaret Anselmo

Spokane Police Department identified Brian J. Anderson as the suspect in the 1997 murder of Margaret Anselmo, whose body was found in an alley with signs of severe head trauma and sexual assault. The Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide due to blunt force trauma. Investigators, unable to connect a suspect for years, turned to Forensic Genetic Genealogy for assistance. DNA evidence from the crime scene was sent to Othram, which helped develop a profile leading to Anderson.

Local genealogist Lynda Keenan aided the investigation by identifying relatives of the profile who provided DNA samples. Analysis revealed that one relative was Anderson's child and another was his half-brother, confirming his identity as the suspect. Authorities would seek first-degree murder and rape charges against him if he were alive today. This case highlights the advancements in forensic technology and its impact on solving cold cases.