2012 Pennsylvania Cold Case Solved with DNA Evidence
Advancements in DNA forensics and facial recognition technology lead to the arrest of Vallis L. Slaughter for a decade-old murder.
Overview
- A decade-old cold case was solved when DNA from a cigarette butt discarded by Vallis L. Slaughter matched DNA from a Styrofoam cup found at a 2012 murder scene.
- Vallis L. Slaughter, 39, was arrested at his mother's home in New Jersey and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and conspiracy.
- The murder of Julio Torres in 2012 outside a Pennsylvania diner remained unsolved for over a decade until recent advancements in DNA forensics.
- Investigators used facial recognition software on a cell phone photo from 2012 to identify Slaughter as a suspect.
- Slaughter is also a suspect in a separate homicide in Brooklyn, adding to the complexity of the case.