Story perspectives

Cold Case Solved: 1964 Murderer Identified Through DNA

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In September 1964, Catherine Bik Blackburn was murdered in her Albany, New York home, and the case went cold despite extensive investigations.
In 2023, the Albany Police Department partnered with Othram to apply advanced DNA testing, which identified the suspect, Joseph Nowakowski, who died in 1998.
Othram's forensic genealogy techniques converted degraded DNA evidence into a usable profile, enabling investigators to trace relatives and confirm Nowakowski's identity.
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of forensic genealogy in resolving cold cases, with Othram aiding numerous investigations nationwide.

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Story summary

In September 1964, Catherine Bik Blackburn was murdered in her Albany, New York home, and the case went cold despite extensive investigations.
In 2023, the Albany Police Department partnered with Othram to apply advanced DNA testing, which identified the suspect, Joseph Nowakowski, who died in 1998.
Othram's forensic genealogy techniques converted degraded DNA evidence into a usable profile, enabling investigators to trace relatives and confirm Nowakowski's identity.
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of forensic genealogy in resolving cold cases, with Othram aiding numerous investigations nationwide.