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DNA Breakthrough Identifies 1997 Murderer After 30 Years

11/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Spokane Police Department identified Brian J. Anderson as the killer of Margaret Anselmo in 1997.
Advances in forensic genetic genealogy led to the breakthrough after nearly three decades of investigation.
Anderson died by suicide in 2009, with DNA analysis of evidence from the crime scene linking him.
The Spokane Police Department said they would have pursued first-degree murder and rape charges had he been alive.

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Story summary

The Spokane Police Department identified Brian J. Anderson as the killer of Margaret Anselmo in 1997.
Advances in forensic genetic genealogy led to the breakthrough after nearly three decades of investigation.
Anderson died by suicide in 2009, with DNA analysis of evidence from the crime scene linking him.
The Spokane Police Department said they would have pursued first-degree murder and rape charges had he been alive.