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DNA Solves Decades-Old Toronto Cold Cases
11 Dec
Summary
- Kenneth Smith identified as perpetrator of three cold case homicides.
- Genetic genealogy and forensic testing linked Smith to the crimes.
- Investigators believe there may be additional unidentified victims.
A perpetrator responsible for three cold case homicides in Toronto has been identified decades later through advanced forensic techniques. Kenneth Smith, who died in 2019, has been conclusively linked to the murders of three women between 1982 and 1997. Investigators utilized genetic genealogy and recent forensic testing to identify Smith, who lived and worked in Toronto at the time of the offenses.
The victims included Christine Prince, sexually assaulted and bludgeoned in 1982; Claire Samson, found with gunshot wounds in 1983; and Gracelyn Greenidge, who died of blunt force trauma in 1997. Smith had a known history of sexual assault and had prior encounters with law enforcement, though he was never previously investigated for these specific murders.
Authorities believe Smith may have had additional, as-yet-unidentified victims. The use of genetic genealogy, which compares DNA profiles to public databases to trace family trees, has proven instrumental in solving numerous cold cases across recent years, including high-profile serial killer investigations.
