On January 27, 2007, a woman fell victim to sexual battery after an unknown man offered to help her get home. Despite collecting DNADNA, 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. More evidence, no matches were found in databases, leaving the case unsolved for over a decade.
In March 2020, law enforcement revisited the case with the help of genetic genealogy testing, an innovative method that ultimately brought justice.
The Journey to Justice: Timeline of Events
1. Initial DNA Evidence and Familial Search
- April 2020: The DNA evidence from the 2007 case was resubmitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for familial searching.
- July 2020: The familial search yielded no matches. Investigators turned to Parabon NanoLabs for genetic genealogy testing.
2. Genetic Genealogy Analysis
- January 2021: Parabon NanoLabs used public genealogy databases such as GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA to identify potential relatives of the suspect.
- By March 2021, Jared T. Vaughn (DOB: February 23, 1977) was identified as a possible suspect through DNA matching.
3. Obtaining DNA Confirmation
- A DNA search warrant was issued to collect Vaughn’s buccal swab. With cooperation from law enforcement in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Tampa Police collected his DNA on April 26, 2021.
- May 13, 2021: Laboratory results confirmed Vaughn’s DNA matched the evidence collected in 2007, with the DNA profile being over 700 billion times more likely to match Vaughn than an unrelated individual.
4. Arrest and Charges
- Following confirmation, Jared Vaughn surrendered to authorities on June 16, 2021, and was charged with sexual battery.
The Role of Genetic Genealogy in Solving Cold Cases
This case highlights how advancements in genetic genealogy and public DNA databases have revolutionized cold case investigations. By linking familial DNA profiles to suspects, law enforcement can now pursue leads in previously unsolvable cases, bringing long-awaited justice to victims.
