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DNA on fork cracks 2012 Texas cold case
23 Jul
Summary
- DNA from a fork matched blood found at the 2012 crime scene.
- Investigative genetic genealogy identified the suspect.
- The suspect was arrested over 14 years after the murder.
In January 2012, Irasema Chavez was found fatally stabbed in her Arlington, Texas apartment. The crime scene yielded a blood sample from an unknown Hispanic female, which was uploaded to CODIS without a match.
In April 2026, the FBI's Investigative Genetic Genealogy program identified Chavez's friend, Velasquez, as a suspect. DNA from a discarded plastic fork in May 2026 confirmed Velasquez's match to the crime scene blood.
Velasquez, 42, was arrested on July 16, 2026, and is held without bond on a capital murder charge. The motive remains unknown, but investigators expressed gratitude to Chavez's family for their patience.
Arlington Police Chief Al Jones highlighted the success of DNA technology in solving approximately 13 to 14 cold cases recently. Nationwide, investigative genetic genealogy has aided in solving over 250 cases since 2018.
