Home / Crime and Justice / Ex-DNA Analyst's Plea Deal Jolts Justice System
Ex-DNA Analyst's Plea Deal Jolts Justice System
23 Jun
Summary
- Former DNA analyst pleaded guilty to four charges, impacting numerous cases.
- Investigation reviewed over 1,000 cases spanning nearly three decades.
- Lawmakers enacted new procedures for reporting misconduct after this case.
A former DNA analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) pleaded guilty to four charges on Tuesday, concluding a lengthy legal process. Yvonne "Missy" Woods reached an agreement with prosecutors, who dropped 99 other charges she had been facing.
Woods admitted guilt to cybercrime, perjury, attempting to influence a public servant, and forgery. She was accused of mishandling or manipulating data in dozens of criminal investigations, raising significant doubts about the integrity of numerous cases. The CBI initiated an investigation into more than 1,000 cases where Woods had involvement, spanning from 1994 to 2023.
Investigators alleged Woods intentionally omitted DNA samples or manipulated test results. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation conducted an independent review due to the involvement of a CBI employee. As a consequence of the probe, a Colorado man, Michael Clark, convicted over a decade ago, was released from prison in April 2025, as DNA evidence in his murder case was reportedly mishandled by Woods.
In response to the case, state lawmakers passed legislation last year establishing new procedures for reporting misconduct, ensuring greater accountability within the justice system.
