Arkansas Authorities Identify Two Cold Case Murder Victims After Decades

Two decades-old cold cases involving unidentified human remains have recently seen breakthroughs due to advancements in forensic DNA technology. In Madison County, Illinois, the remains of a woman found in 1990 were identified as Wynona “Wendy” Michel, who had been stabbed multiple times and left in a bean field; despite identification, the murder remains unsolved. Meanwhile, in White County, Arkansas, the remains discovered in 1989 were identified as Karl Brian Hooten of Vilonia, who had been shot; his case also remains under active investigation. Both identifications were made possible with the assistance of Othram, a Texas-based forensic laboratory that developed comprehensive DNA profiles and facilitated familial DNA matches. Law enforcement agencies continue to seek information from the public to aid in solving these cases and bring closure to the families. These developments highlight the crucial role of forensic science in resolving long-standing cold cases.