How a genetic genealogist helped solve Roxanne Wood's "unsolvable" murder

This episode of 48 Hours covers the cold case murder of Roxanne Wood, who was found dead in her Michigan home in 1987. The investigation remained unsolved for 34 years until a genetic genealogist, Gabriella Vargas, identified a suspect using DNA evidence. Correspondent Peter Van Sant reports on the details of the case, including the initial discovery of Roxanne's body, the challenges faced by investigators, and the breakthrough in 2021.

Terry Wood discovered his wife Roxanne dead after returning from bowling. Detective Chuck Christensen explains the circumstances of her murder, which included sexual assault and a slashed throat. Despite preserved DNA, technology limitations hindered progress for decades.

In 2021, Gabriella Vargas took on the cold case and quickly identified a suspect, Patrick Gillum, within four days. However, investigators needed to confirm his DNA matched the evidence from the crime scene before making an arrest.

Trooper Ryan Cotty went undercover to collect DNA from Gillum, who was observed discarding cigarette butts. After initial tests returned a negative result, investigators followed Gillum again, ultimately obtaining a match from a second cigarette butt.

The episode highlights the advancements in forensic science that allowed this long-unsolved case to be resolved, bringing closure to the Wood family after decades of uncertainty.