Episode
The 34-Year Hunt for Krista Martin’s Killer
- Podcast
- Forensic Files Unsealed
- Published
- Sep 20, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3338
- Processing state
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Summary
This episode details the 1989 cold case of Krista Martin, a 20-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted and murdered in her Wichita, Kansas apartment. Despite extensive initial efforts by law enforcement, the investigation remained unsolved for over three decades until investigative genetic genealogy provided a modern breakthrough. Using DNA evidence from the original crime scene, detectives constructed a family tree that identified Paul Hart as the primary suspect. Although Hart died in a 1999 car accident, authorities confirmed through his daughter’s DNA that he lived near the victim at the time of the attack. The findings brought long-awaited closure to Martin's family, proving that advanced forensic science can resolve even the most stagnant cases. This narrative emphasizes the persistence of investigators and the evolving technology used to deliver justice for victims of violent crime. Content Warning: This podcast contains discussions of homicide, violence, abuse, and other graphic themes related to real-life criminal events. It is intended for mature audiences and listener discretion is advised. This episode includes AI-generated content.