The Boston Strangler: Cold Case Solved, Thanks to Science (and a Determined Nephew's Genes)
The 1960s weren't all peace, love, and tie-dye. In Boston, a shadow loomed – the Boston Strangler, a serial killer who terrified the city. Thirteen women were found strangled, and for decades, the case remained a chilling mystery. Enter DNA, the CSI of the real world, and a nephew with some very specific family history.
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| How Did Dna Solve The Boston Strangler Case |
Confessions and Curtain Calls: Enter Albert DeSalvo
A man named Albert DeSalvo emerged, confessing to the murders. But plot twist! DeSalvo was a known fantasist, and details of his confessions didn't always match the evidence. The case went cold, leaving a shiver down the spines of true crime enthusiasts everywhere.
Fast Forward: The Power of a Partially Chewed Cigarette (Well, Not Exactly)
Technology marched on, and by 2013, DNA testing was a game-changer in forensics. Investigators dusted off evidence from the crime scenes, hoping for a speck, a strand, a clue clinging to a forgotten thread. They got lucky. DNA from semen found at the murder scene of Mary Sullivan yielded a partial match to...wait for it...DeSalvo's nephew!
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Hold on, you say. A nephew? Yep. Thanks to the wonders of Y-chromosome DNA, which gets passed down pretty much unchanged through the generations on the male side, a match to a close male relative can be a strong clue.
But was it conclusive? Not quite yet. This is where things get interesting.
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Exhuming the Truth: Dirt Nap or DNA Donor?
To be absolutely sure, they did what any self-respecting detective in a dramatic TV show would do: they dug up DeSalvo! (Although, less dramatic and probably with more hazmat suits). DNA from his bones confirmed the match. DeSalvo was, indeed, the Boston Strangler.
Mystery solved! Case closed! Except for that lingering question...
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Did One Dude Really Do It All?
While DNA linked DeSalvo to Sullivan's murder, some questions remain about the other victims. The possibility of multiple perpetrators continues to be debated.
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So, the story isn't over yet. But hey, at least science helped put a major piece of the puzzle in place.
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
How-To FAQ on Cold Cases and Catching Creeps with Science:
How to solve a cold case? Persistence, new technology, and a sprinkle of luck can be a potent mix.
How does DNA help solve crimes? DNA is like a unique fingerprint, except way smaller and way more reliable for identifying people (unless you're a twin, but that's a whole other story).
How does Y-chromosome DNA work? It's a genetic hand-me-down from dad to son, like a stubborn recipe that keeps getting passed down the generations.
How can DNA testing be inconclusive? Sometimes, the evidence is too degraded, or there just isn't enough of it for a definitive match.
How do they get DNA from dead people? Thankfully, even bones hold valuable genetic information. With proper precautions, of course.
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