After nearly two decades, the remains of a woman discovered in a derelict Detroit house have been identified, thanks to modern DNA testing techniques. As stated in a press release reported by People, the victim is now known as Darylnn Washington, who was previously a Jane Doe found in June 2006.
Washington's death was determined a homicide, and she is suspected to have been a victim of Shelly Andre Brooks, a serial killer operating in the Detroit area. According to ClickOnDetroit, experts at Othram, an advanced forensic genealogy firm, worked alongside Detroit police to finally establish her identity. Despite being listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Washington had remained unnamed until recent DNA breakthroughs provided authorities with the means to put a name to her face.
In 2006, Shelly Andre Brooks was apprehended and charged with several counts of murder, as he was linked to the deaths of seven women through DNA evidence. According to The Independent, these victims were typically found in isolated areas around Detroit, such as vacant apartments and fields. Brooks was arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a sex worker, which ultimately led to his connection to similar cases.
Brooks stood trial and was convicted for two of the murders, resulting in him serving life sentences at Kinross Correctional Facility, as mentioned in a summary by the Michigan Court of Appeals and reported by The Independent.
