After decades of mystery and unanswered questions, the tenacious work of Oklahoma City Police Department's Cold Case Unit has finally brought closure to a long-stagnant homicide investigation. The 1976 case of Lela Johnston's tragic end has been solved nearly 50 years later, thanks to the marriage of cutting-edge DNA genealogy research and determined detective work.
In May 2023, OKCPD partnered with DNA Labs International (DLI) to methodically sift through genetic profiles derived from voluntarily submitted samples to genealogy sites. Allison Martin-Krensky, a genealogist with DLI, found a match to the family tree of the presumed killer, according to OKCFOX. Over a year of exploration into the suspect’s lineage led to the identification of Charles O. Droke, born in 1948, as the man responsible for this heinous crime.
On that fateful day, May 14, 1976, Lela Johnston's body was discovered by a neighbor in her home located in the 3600 block of N. Robinson Ave. The original investigation could only go so far without the technology we possess today. It wasn't until 2004 that a DNA profile was developed from the crime scene evidence and entered into CODIS—the national database of DNA profiles—but no matches were found until now. As reported by KFOR, the case that once again went cold saw a glimmer of hope decades later thanks to advancements in DNA technology.
Through meticulous genealogical reconstruction and DNA analysis, the horrors of that day began to emerge into the light of justice. "Evidence shows that Droke forced his way into Johnston’s home, raped her and then killed her," mentioned in a statement obtained by KOCO. Tragically, Droke himself was killed in 1989, by his brother, foreclosing the opportunity for legal recourse against him. However, his identification offers a semblance of justice and resolution to Johnston's loved ones and the Oklahoma City community, touched by this violent act so many years ago.
