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 evidence of severe head trauma and indications of sexual assault. The Spokane County Medical Examiner classified her death as a homicide due to blunt force trauma. Despite extensive investigations, detectives struggled to link a suspect to the case until they turned to Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Anderson, now deceased, was identified through DNA analysis performed by Othram, a Texas-based company.

Local genealogist Lynda Keenan assisted by identifying relatives of the suspect's DNA profile. Family members provided DNA samples that confirmed Anderson's identity as the suspect. If alive, Anderson would face charges of 1st Degree Murder and 1st Degree Rape. The Spokane Police Department encourages anyone with further information to reach out to Crime Check at 509. 456.

2233.