Using genetic genealogy to develop new leads and probable cause in a 22 year old case, the combined dedicated efforts of the Tampa Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office, and United States Marshals Service led to the successful apprehension of 60-year-old James Byrd. Byrd was arrested in Marion County on Wednesday morning and charged with Armed Kidnapping and Sexual Battery of a 22-year-old female in 1998.
"As is clear in this case, we have never considered an investigation as a 'cold case' and we work every case until each one can be successfully solved", said Chief Dugan.
The genetic genealogy information that provided new leads for investigators was accomplished as a direct result of the FDLE's partnership with Parabon NanoLabs.