In Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Shane Boice, 34, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for a 2012 sexual assault case solved using forensic genealogy. Boice pleaded guilty to second-degree rape, with two burglary charges dropped as part of a plea deal.
A man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in a 2012 Butte County case that was solved using forensic genealogy.
Shane Boice, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree rape as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. Two burglary counts were dropped as part of the agreement.
Prosecutors said Boice had seen the victim outside her home and knew she lived alone. Wearing a mask, Boice broke into the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her, the Rapid City Journal reported.
Initial DNA
DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the genetic material found in cells, composed of a double helix structure. It serves as the genetic blueprint for all living organisms. Read Full Definition tests found no match. In 2018, a genetic genealogy company identified relatives of the DNA contributor, leading investigators to Boice. Investigators found that those people had a relative who lived in Belle Fourche at the time, Boice. DNA from Boice’s trash matched the crime scene DNA.
Legal Outcome: Guilty plea to second-degree rape and sentenced to 45 years in prison.Legal Outcome.
Impact of Forensic Genealogy:
This case highlights the potential of forensic genealogy to resolve cold cases, showcasing the powerful combination of DNA analysis and genealogical research in modern criminal investigations.
How will forensic genealogy influence the resolution of unsolved cases in the future?
Source: 45 years in prison for assault case solved with genealogy
