Authorities have arrested a man for the 1993 rape and murder of his 19-year-old neighbour in Indiana, after genetic genealogy linked him to the crime.
Carmen Van Huss’ father discovered her body on the floor of her Indianapolis apartment on 24 March 1993, after she failed to show up for work. She was found naked with multiple puncture wounds on her head, face, and body, according to the probable cause affidavit.
The affidavit described signs of a struggle, including an overturned table, clothes scattered on the floor, a large blood pool near her head, and blood spatter around her body.
A neighbour living directly below Van Huss reported hearing screams, crying, and loud noises from her apartment in the early hours of 23 March. The sounds, which included a male voice arguing, lasted for about 30 minutes.
Despite interviewing dozens of individuals and following numerous leads, the case remained unsolved for years. In 2013, police uploaded an unknown suspect’s DNA to CODIS, the national law enforcement DNA database, but no match was found.
In 2018, police turned to Parabon NanoLabs, submitting a DNA sample from the crime scene for forensic genetic genealogy analysis. This technique compares unknown DNA to samples voluntarily submitted to a database by family members.
By 2023, this genetic genealogy analysis, combined with various investigative methods, identified Dana Shepherd as a suspect. Authorities discovered Shepherd had been Van Huss’ neighbour in 1993, with their apartment buildings connected by a shared common area.
In February, police obtained a warrant to collect Shepherd’s DNA. He was living in Missouri and employed at the University of Missouri at the time. Shepherd appeared visibly shaken when presented with the warrant.
In June, tests confirmed that Shepherd’s DNA matched the DNA found on Van Huss’ body and at the crime scene. Shepherd, now 52, was arrested in Missouri last week on charges of murder, felony murder, and rape. He has not yet been extradited to Indiana.
A piece of paper can’t sum up even a fraction of the love Jimmy Van Huss, Jr. has for his big sister. But the few words on it were all he could give… His thoughts on the update in his sister’s case, kept everyone in the room hanging on his every word.https://t.co/49lagxaoPJ
— Jade Jackson, MBA Candidate (@IAMJADEJACKSON) September 3, 2024
At a news conference on Tuesday, Van Huss’ brother, Jimmy Van Huss Jr., expressed relief, saying, “There’s a lot of people that missed Carmen all these years. She had a lot of family, a lot of friends. She had cousins that loved her like sisters.
She wasn’t able to experience her college graduation or have a wedding or any of life’s events. She was taken from me when I was a freshman in high school. And I’m thankful that, finally, the man that did it is where he needs to be. I do have hope that any similar case with DNA can get this same treatment with the genealogy and everything we have available today.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- KRCG reports that Dana Shepherd, 52, has been charged with the 1993 rape and murder of Carmen Van Huss in Indianapolis. (read more)
- The New York Times reports that a suspect, Dana Shepherd, 52, has been arrested in the 1993 murder of 19-year-old Carmen Van Huss in Indianapolis, with charges including murder and rape, marking a significant breakthrough after over three decades. (read more)
- WBAL News Radio reports on the arrest of Dana Shepherd, 52, in the 1993 rape and murder of his 19-year-old neighbor Carmen Van Huss in Indiana, made possible through genetic genealogy. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How was the suspect in the 1993 Indiana murder case identified?
Through forensic genetic genealogy using DNA from family members voluntarily submitted to a database.
What led to the arrest of Dana Shepherd in 2023?
DNA testing matched Shepherd’s DNA to the crime scene and victim, leading to his arrest.
What did Carmen Van Huss’ brother say about the arrest?
He expressed gratitude that the man responsible is now in custody and hopes similar cases will benefit from genetic genealogy.
Where was Dana Shepherd living at the time of his arrest?
He was living in Missouri and working at the University of Missouri.
What charges is Dana Shepherd facing?
He faces charges of murder, felony murder, and rape.