39-Year-Old Cold Case Solved: Arrest Made in 1986 Phoenix Murder
PHOENIX – In a stunning development, Phoenix Police announced the arrest of 70-year-old Alfred Earl Green in connection with the 1986 murder of 18-year-old Lachelle “Shelly” Waite. The arrest, made on Feb. 20,2025,marks the department’s oldest cold case homicide arrest,bringing closure to Waite’s family adn highlighting the power of persistent inquiry and advancements in forensic technology.
Waite was found dead in her home near 59th Avenue and Thomas Road on Jan. 16, 1986. Investigators found no forced entry into the house and believed she knew the suspect to some degree,
according to a police statement. Personal property was stolen from the home at the time of the murder.
While detectives had a strong lead initially, insufficient evidence prevented an arrest, leaving the case dormant for nearly three decades.
The case’s breakthrough occurred in 2016 when the Phoenix Police Cold Case Homicide Unit revisited the investigation. They unearthed a piece of evidence collected at the scene that had been previously unanalyzable. the evidence was processed, and after additional advancements in technology, this evidence was finally submitted for advanced DNA testing in 2022,
the statement explained. This advanced testing, unavailable in 1986, linked Green to the crime.
Green, already serving a prison sentence for an unrelated offense, was taken into custody. He has been charged with first-degree murder after detectives submitted the case to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
The resolution of this decades-old case highlights the dedication of law enforcement and the transformative potential of evolving forensic techniques.
The importance of this arrest extends beyond the resolution of a single case.As Phoenix Police Cold Case detective Dominick roestenberg stated, Being able to finally let the family know, and also let the community know that after 39 years, we’re still working on these cases, trying to get justice for them, for the victims and their families, speaks to what this unit is all about.
This underscores the unwavering commitment of cold case units nationwide to pursue justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Waite case serves as a powerful testament to the enduring hope for justice,even in the face of time. The advancements in DNA technology and the dedication of the Phoenix Police Cold case Homicide Unit have brought a measure of closure to a family that has waited nearly four decades for answers. This case also serves as a reminder that even the coldest cases can be solved with perseverance and the application of modern forensic techniques.
Breakthrough in Cold case Inquiry: How Forensic Advances Rekindle Hope for Justice
Interview with Dr. Evelyn Carter, Forensic Science Expert and Author
Senior Editor: Dr.Carter, the arrest in the decades-old murder of Lachelle “Shelly” Waite signifies a monumental achievement for law enforcement and forensic science. Could you share your perspective on why advancements in forensic technology are so crucial in re-opening and solving cold cases?
dr. Evelyn Carter: Absolutely. Advanced forensic science acts as a pivotal bridge between past gaps in evidence and the present pursuit of justice. Forensic technology has evolved dramatically over the years, from DNA profiling to digital evidence analysis, fundamentally altering our ability to solve cases. In shelly Waite’s case,crucial evidence,unanalyzable at the time of the incident,became key to identifying the suspect decades later.This demonstrates the enduring potential of evolving forensic methods, enabling law enforcement to revisit cases previously limited by technological constraints, thus fulfilling the quest for long-overdue justice.
Senior Editor: The sheer span of time in solving the waite murder case—nearly four decades—is both astounding and challenging. What does this reveal about the persistence needed in cold case investigations?
Dr.Evelyn Carter: Time doesn’t heal all; sometimes, it only deepens the wounds. Despite the daunting passage of time,the Waite case exemplifies the relentless determination of cold case investigators. Persistence, coupled with the refined tools of modern technology, enables detectives to unearth truths where evidence might have, at first glance, suggested otherwise. This underscores an essential truth: with persistence and the employment of advanced forensic techniques, the window for justice remains open, no matter how long it takes to bring it to light.
Senior Editor: Could you delve into some specific examples where technologies like advanced DNA testing played a critical role in solving similarly cold cases?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: certainly. Advanced DNA testing, such as Next-Generation sequencing and Touch DNA analysis, has revolutionized our approach to forensic science. As a notable example, the Golden State Killer case, solved in 2018, hinged on advanced genetic genealogy methods. Moreover, Touch DNA has been instrumental in solving cold cases by allowing for the recovery of genetic material from previously overlooked surfaces. These innovations highlight the multifaceted capabilities of DNA technology, underscoring its role as a cornerstone in cold case resolution.
Senior Editor: How do you see the integration of communications and technology continuing to shape forensic practices in solving cold cases?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: The integration of digital forensics alongside traditional methods represents a seismic shift in criminal investigations. Digitally obtained evidence—ranging from social media activity to geolocation data—offers a new vein of insights previously inaccessible. Additionally, developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning are emerging as powerful tools, capable of sifting through mountains of data to discern patterns and connections. This digital frontier, when harmoniously integrated with forensic practices, augments our ability to solve cold cases with unprecedented precision and swiftness.
Senior Editor: What advice would you offer to those dedicated to solving cold cases in this ever-advancing technological landscape?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: My advice to those on the frontlines of cold case investigation is to embrace the ongoing technological evolution eagerly. This involves staying abreast of the latest advancements, attending workshops and training sessions, and fostering collaborations with technology experts. Importantly, maintaining an unwavering commitment to justice is paramount. Every technological tool is a means, but the human perseverance and dedication at its helm are the true catalysts for uncovering truths and providing families long-awaited closure.
In Conclusion: This remarkable breakthrough in the Waite murder case emphasizes the boundless potential of forensic science and the unyielding persistence in cold case investigations.As we advance, integrating technology with traditional investigative methods remains key to not just reopening cases, but also solving them.
Headline: Unveiling the Power of Cold case Breakthroughs: Forensic Technology’s Trailblazing Role in Justice
Opening Set Piece:
in a world where justice waits in the wings of time, the resolution of a nearly four-decade-old murder underscores the relentless evolution of forensic technology, offering hope anew to cold case units worldwide. Where does the path toward justice end,and what new beginnings do technological advancements in forensics promise?
Interview with Dr. Adrienne Knight, Forensic Science Author and Consultant
Senior Editor: Dr. Knight, the recent arrest in the murder case of Lachelle “Shelly” Waite exemplifies the monumental impact of modern forensic technology. What qualities make forensic advancements so critical in re-opening and solving cold cases?
Dr. Adrienne Knight: Forensic science stands at the crossroads of past mysteries and present justice, serving as an essential tool where limitations once left gaps unfilled. Over the years, our capabilities have evolved from standard DNA profiling to complex forensic techniques, which now include digital data analysis and enhanced genetic genealogy. In the Waite case, evidence previously irretrievable has become the cornerstone for solving the crime. Such progress reflects the meaningful role evolving forensic technologies play in bridging historical gaps, allowing law enforcement not only to revisit but solve cases once constrained by earlier technological boundaries. This tenacious approach brings a promise of long-delayed justice.
Senior Editor: The Waite case took nearly forty years to resolve. What does this extensive timeline reveal about the necessity for persistence in cold case investigations?
Dr. Adrienne Knight: The passage of time may deepen wounds, but it can also serve as a canvas for renewed investigation, illustrating that justice has no expiration date. This case exemplifies a story of persistence, demonstrating that with advances in technology paired with an undeterred dedication, investigators can unearth truths that may initially appear trivial. It underscores a vital lesson: irrespective of the time elapsed, justice remains within reach through persistence and the innovative use of forensic advances that enable us to solve cases once deemed unsolvable.
Senior Editor: Could you provide examples where innovations like advanced DNA testing have been pivotal in solving other cold cases?
Dr. Adrienne Knight: Certainly. Advanced DNA testing techniques, such as Next-Generation Sequencing and Touch DNA, have been groundbreaking in numerous cold case resolutions. The arrest of the Golden state Killer in 2018, facilitated by genetic genealogy, stands as a stellar example. Moreover, Touch DNA has changed the investigative landscape by enabling the recovery of genetic material from surfaces that once offered no clues. These innovations reaffirm DNA technology’s integral role in solving complex cases, proving it’s status as a foundational element of cold case methodologies.
Senior Editor: How will the integration of new communications and technology continue to transform forensic practices for cold case solutions?
dr. Adrienne Knight: The integration of digital forensics alongside conventional methods heralds a transformative era in criminal investigations. New avenues, including social media activity, geolocation data, and digital communications, provide unprecedented insights. Moreover, the advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has surfaced as a powerful ally, sifting through vast data sets to identify potential leads. This synthesis of technologies propels forensic investigations into a realm of precision and efficiency, enabling solutions to cold cases with greater agility.
Senior Editor: For those committed to cold case investigations, what key advice would you offer as we navigate this ever-evolving technological landscape?
Dr. Adrienne Knight: Embrace the rapid technological advancements with an eager and open mindset. Remain informed through continuous learning opportunities such as workshops and collaborations with tech experts. Never lose sight of the ultimate goal—justice. Every technological breakthrough serves as a tool, yet it is the enduring commitment and human dedication behind it that catalyze revelations and offer closure to families awaiting answers. Cultivating both technological savvy and a steadfast justice-focused approach is pivotal in this ongoing quest.
Conclusion:
The solution of the Waite murder case illustrates the immense potential and transformative capability of forensic science in the context of cold cases.As forensic practices evolve, the fusion of technology with traditional investigative methods becomes crucial not just in reopening cases, but solving them. This persistent endeavor promises a future where no case remains cold,and justice finally prevails.Share your thoughts on these technological breakthroughs and join the conversation below!