# DNA Solves the 1997 Spokane Murder of Margaret Anselmo

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/forensic-files-unsealed-6989771/dna-solves-the-1997-spokane-murder-of-margaret-anselmo
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/forensic-files-unsealed-6989771/dna-solves-the-1997-spokane-murder-of-margaret-anselmo.md
Podcast: [Forensic Files Unsealed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/forensic-files-unsealed-6989771)
Published: 2026-09-03T20:39:25+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dna-solves-the-1997-spokane-murder-of-margaret-anselmo--74877286
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74877286/utf_8_q_dna_5ffinally_5fidentifies_5fmar_utf_8_q_garet_5fanselmo_e2_80_99s_5fkiller_m4a.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/forensic-files-unsealed-6989771/episodes/dna-solves-the-1997-spokane-murder-of-margaret-anselmo
Duration seconds: 2720

## Resource

The episode details the successful identification of a suspect in the 1997 cold case murder of Margaret M. Anselmo in Spokane, Washington. After nearly three decades, law enforcement collaborated with Othram, a private forensic laboratory, to apply advanced genome sequencing to evidence that had previously failed to produce a match. This modern technology allowed investigators to build a genetic profile and utilize forensic genealogy to link the crime to Brian James Anderson, who died in 2009. The source emphasizes how public contributions and scientific breakthroughs are essential for providing closure to families and resolving decades-old homicides. This report highlights the 41st case in Washington state to be resolved using these specific genealogical research tools. This episode includes AI-generated content.

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## Transcript

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