Former Colorado Forensic Scientist Accused of Manipulating DNA Test Results in Hundreds of Cases
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a former forensic scientist with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), is under investigation for allegedly manipulating or omitting DNA test results in over 600 cases during her nearly three-decade career.
An internal review by the CBI revealed that Woods’ handling of DNA testing data between 2008 and 2023 impacted 652 cases, with some results found to be incomplete. The agency has now launched a review of Woods’ work from 1994 to 2008, and a criminal investigation into her conduct is ongoing.
Woods was placed on administrative leave in October after deviations from standard operating procedures were discovered, retired in November, and is now facing a federal lawsuit. The CBI found that Woods deleted and altered data to conceal tampering indicators and failed to troubleshoot issues within the testing process.
As a result of this scandal, the agency is conducting a comprehensive audit of all DNA analysts to ensure the accuracy of its records. Another case of potential data manipulation by an analyst at the Weld County Sheriff’s Office has also been uncovered.
Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty has identified 15 open cases and 55 closed cases where Woods testified as a witness. There are concerns about the potential impact on both victims and the accused in these cases.
One of the most troubling aspects of this scandal is the alleged wrongful conviction of James Hunter, who is currently in prison. A federal lawsuit claims that Woods provided fabricated and false evidence that linked Hunter to a 2002 burglary and sexual assault based on discredited hair evidence.
Woods’ attorney has filed a motion to dismiss Hunter’s complaint, and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office has declined to comment on the matter due to the ongoing criminal investigation involving labs in its jurisdiction.
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