"Sooner or Later, Your Cousin's DNA is Going to Solve a Murder"
--New York Times headline, April 25, 2019
In 2025, that time is NOW rather than sooner or later.
Detective Tina Lewallan of the Beaumont Police Department, and Shera Lapoint, a forensic genealogist known as "The Gene Hunter," discuss their role in solving the 25-year old cold case murder of Beaumont teacher Mary Catherine Edwards.
In March 2024, Clayton Bernard Foreman was convicted of the murder by a Jefferson County jury. The case was solved by matching DNA evidence found at the scene, with DNA matches on genealogical family trees.
The trial was widely covered by local media, and also was featured nationally on CBS's 48 Hours, ABC's 20/20, Texas Monthly, and Nancy Grace. It was the first high-profile case in Southeast Texas to reach a conviction using forensic genetic genealogy methods.
Detective Lewallan and Ms. Lapoint spearheaded the genealogical component of the investigation. Hear the story of their historic and remarkable journey on this case.
Names of people mentioned in the podcast include Detective Aaron Lewallan, Texas Ranger Brandon Bess, and Nancy Grace, among others.
Tina Lewallan and Shera Lapoint re-trace their journey solving the 25-year old cold case, immersing themselves into DNA and family trees, in their pursuit of justice.
Hear the incredible behind-the-scenes story.
Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!
