CBI Analyst Accused of Manipulating DNA Results Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Woods admitted to four felonies after investigators found she altered DNA data in 1,045 cases and triggered reviews of hundreds of convictions.
- On Tuesday, Jefferson County District Judge Andrew Poland sentenced former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist Yvonne "Missy" Woods to 10 years in prison for her role in a DNA testing scandal.
- Woods pleaded guilty to four felonies, including cybercrime and forgery, after admitting she manipulated DNA data to speed up processing during her 29-year career at the agency.
- Prosecutors described a pattern of deception spanning more than 100 cases; the investigation revealed Woods mishandled at least 1,045 criminal cases, costing the state an estimated $11 million to retest evidence.
- Convictions were dismissed in cases including a 1994 Boulder murder, while prosecutors offered reduced sentences in other murder cases to avoid relying on tainted DNA evidence.
- Lawmakers passed legislation in 2025 to increase forensic testing oversight, yet post-conviction challenges continue across Colorado as officials warn the uncertainty caused by Woods' actions will linger for years.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Former Colorado crime analyst gets 10-year prison sentence for manipulating DNA data
A judge has sentenced a former forensic analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to 10 years in prison after prosecutors said she manipulated and omitted data to speed up her work.
CBI analyst accused of manipulating DNA results sentenced to 10 years in prison
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Yvonne "Missy" Woods, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) DNA scientist accused of manipulating test results, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. According to the CBI, Woods allegedly tampered with DNA testing by altering or omitting results from case files, an allegation that has drawn concern about the
Ex-CBI analyst Missy Woods sentenced to 10 years in prison in DNA testing scandal
A Jefferson County judge sentenced former Colorado Bureau of Investigation scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods to 10 years in prison Tuesday for her role in a years-long DNA testing scandal that shook confidence in Colorado's criminal justice system.
A legacy of doubt: Former CBI forensic scientist who mishandled DNA sentenced to 10 years in prison
Inside of a crowded Jefferson County courtroom on Tuesday, the former CBI forensic scientist charged with manipulating evidence for years was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
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