SCOTT COUNTY, Ind. — Recently, a suspect in a nearly 29-year-old Attempted Murder Cold Case was identified using advanced DNA technology known as familial DNA.
In May 1995, Investigators from the Indiana State Police and Scott County Sheriff’s Office investigated an attempted murder, assault, and robbery that occurred at a rural Scott County residence. Evidence, including DNA, was collected at that time. Numerous leads were followed but no clear suspects were identified.
With the advancement in DNA technology, the collected DNA was entered into the national DNA database in August of 2000 but no matches were found.
In 2018, the use of familial DNA was being used as the latest investigative tool in cases where a DNA sample had been collected of an unidentified and unknown suspect. This technique involves comparing the DNA sample against databases of known individuals to look for family members of potential suspects. When a family member is identified, investigators can use investigative tools and genealogy to identify a suspect.
The familial DNA testing was completed in August 2023 and c close family relative of a suspect was initially identified. The investigation continued and finally, a suspect was identified months later.
Investigators learned that the suspect moved out of state after the crime occurred and later died in 2003. Indiana State Police Detective Lieutenant Delmer Gross, Detectives Matt Busick, and Brian Busick, along with former Scott County Sheriff John Lizenby and Detective Rick Barrett worked closely together to bring this nearly 30-year-old case to a conclusion.
While no charges can be filed in this case, investigators are pleased to bring this case to a close.
*It is the policy of the Indiana State Police to not name potential suspects unless and until formal charges are filed. Therefore, the suspect’s identity will not be released.*
