CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The chilling murder of an 89-year-old WW2 veteran in Chillicothe remains unsolved over two decades later, and the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office says a lack of funding could be a key factor hindering the investigation.
In December 2003, firefighters responding to a blaze at 525 East Main Street made a shocking discovery inside the home: the body of Kenneth Conley. Investigators quickly determined the fire was set intentionally to cover up Conley’s brutal murder – he had been stabbed multiple times.
Despite years of investigation and numerous potential suspects, no arrests have been made. Information provided to the Guardian shows that detectives have been in possession of female DNA retrieved from the crime scene, which could be crucial in identifying the killer; bloodstains on an envelope belong to the mystery female. However, efforts to match it to a person of interest have been unsuccessful.
In recent years, detectives have sought to utilize the groundbreaking technique of genetic genealogy testing. That’s where private companies take a person’s spit and provides them with their heritage; such companies include GEDmatchPro and FTDNA. Those companies have started to successfully work with law enforcement and provide the data to search family trees in an effort to find a common link to a DNA sample that police might have, which could direct them to a suspect.
It’s possible, but not in Ross County?
When detectives with the Chillicothe Police Department asked Ross County Prosecutor Jeffrey Marks for funding for the testing, investigators said they received no response. In 2022, detectives began to reexamine the cold case. A police report provided by the department said, “Detective was notified that the bloodstains on the envelope were both able to be determined to be from the same unknown female. Detective spoke with an [Ohio Attorney General] DNA Forensic Scientist who advised that there is a possibility that [private] genetic genealogy testing could be performed to identify who the unknown female is.” The report goes on to say, “Detectives contacted Ross County Prosecutor Jeff Marks in reference to obtaining funds for testing, however, has not received an answer back on how to proceed.”
The Guardian asked the county prosecutor why such a test had not been conducted. Marks cited the cost of the testing as a significant obstacle, which can range from $1,500 to more than $10,000, according to DNA companies interviewed for this story.
“I have had the opportunity to discuss this matter further with the Chillicothe Police Department. The only information I can pass on to you at this time is that both parties are working on various avenues to secure necessary funding to have the additional DNA testing done,” Marks said.
The potential impact of genetic testing has been demonstrated in states like Washington, where the Attorney General’s Office recently allocated nearly $500,000 specifically for such testing.
Is this case a priority with a killer on the run?
Family members of Conley have raised questions whether this case is a priority for the Prosecutor’s Office.
“It is hard to believe that our justice department would not want to send the DNA for testing but yet not surprising,” Conley’s nephew, Roger Conley said in a email to the Guardian. “They pretty much told me that they would not shortly after the murder. I honestly don’t think they want to have to go to trial and spend the money on a capital murder case …. I don’t understand the logic? I know there are things [law enforcement] want to keep secret but it is if they are offended if anyone does anything to solve the case. It shouldn’t matter as long as the case is solved!”
In 2022, the Ross County Coroner’s Office turned to the DNA Doe Project to help solve a cold case by utilizing the same forensic testing. In November 2023, a team of volunteer investigators commenced their efforts. Remarkably, within two weeks, they identified a handful of second and third cousins in a family tree, ultimately tracing the lineage to Ward Thomas, a man who went missing in 1972.
Pam Lauritzen, Executive Director of Media and Communications for the DNA Doe Project spoke with the Guardian and provided insight into the process used in this specific type of DNA testing. “While DNA Doe Project doesn’t work on suspect cases, the process is very similar to the way we use investigative genetic genealogy to identify Jane and John Does.”
According to Lauritzen, the process begins with a biological sample submitted for DNA testing. The sample can be various bodily fluids, bone, hair, or tissue. After DNA is successfully extracted, the sample is sent for “sequencing.” Once a genetic profile is created, the DNA profile is uploaded to a couple different databases. That’s when researchers use the relative match lists from the databases and traditional genealogy resources to build a family tree of the unknown suspect. When asked about the turnaround time for results, Lauritzen said, “Depending on how closely related the matches are to the subject, this can be a quick resolution, or it can take years.”
Despite alleged financial constraints mentioned by Marks, the federal government has made available funding to help with testing. The United States Department of Justice has pathways for criminal cases and the FBI has its own Investigative Genetic Genealogy unit that specializes in cases such as Conley’s. Private options are also available, the DNA Doe Project said.
“The bottom line is, if there is a will, there is a way,” said Lauritzen.
Does anyone want to solve this case?
A spokesperson with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office told the Guardian that the state does not offer funding for genetic genealogy for homicide cases.
“DNA testing is consumptive, a factor that has to be considered in any case but particularly with cold cases where there may be limited quantity and quality of DNA. Genetic genealogy is a promising technology to provide law enforcement with new leads, but is among other types of DNA testing that can also be a better option. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. BCI’s approach to cold cases is to evaluate the entirety of the case file with the local enforcement agency to make this determination. For cases where genetic genealogy is deemed to be the best option, local law enforcement has sought funding through its own budget, county funds, or through private or crowd-sourcing avenues,” said the Attorney General’s Office.
Currently, Ross County has a savings account of nearly $16 million sitting idle for general use.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated from its original version to include a statement from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
The mugshots and arrest records displayed on this website are public records provided by law enforcement agencies. All individuals shown are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information provided on this site is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used to harass, stalk, or threaten any individual.
If you believe any information on this website is inaccurate, outdated, or if you wish to request removal, please contact us at news(at)SciotoValleyGuardian.com. Requests for removal will be reviewed in accordance with applicable laws and our website policies.