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Families find hope as new DNA technology tackles cold cases

Florida has partnered with Texas-based DNA lab Othram to tackle a backlog of more than 21,000 unsolved murders. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeir said, "For too long, many victims and their families have been left without answers."
The partnership targets 150 cold cases in Fort Myers, including the 15-year-old investigation into Desmond Jones's death. Detective Richard Harasym manages a four-person team currently working to close these cases.
Desmond, affectionately called "Lil Flame" by his Pop Warner football teammates, was killed on Lillie Street in April 2011. His mother, Denae Hendley, reflected, "Not knowing it will be the last football, first and last, Pop Warner football for him."
Through the partnership, law enforcement agencies can submit evidence directly to Othram for analysis. Othram CEO David Mittelman said, "You read the DNA, just like you would watch a video camera, to see who was at a scene."
Anyone with information on Fort Myers cold cases can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS anonymously and may be eligible for a reward. Harasym remains committed to families, sending messages on Christmas and murder anniversaries.

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