Authorities in Austin, Texas, have cracked a decades-old unsolved murder case with the help of advancements in DNA forensics. The evidence found at the crime scene was successfully matched to the suspect, leading to a breakthrough in the investigation.
On May 12, 1994, a tragic incident occurred when Bert Allen Mann was discovered deceased in the kitchen of his residence on the 2500 block of Star Grass Circle.
According to the Austin Police Department, it appears that Mann arrived home from work only to find that a burglar had gained entry to the residence through a rear sliding glass door.
A violent altercation broke out between the two individuals near the entrance of the residence, resulting in Mann being fatally stabbed. During the altercation, the suspect sustained injuries and left traces of blood inside the residence.
Over the next several years, investigators conducted a thorough investigation, resulting in the identification of over 40 individuals who were considered significant. In 2005, a DNA test was conducted on a blood stain sample collected from the scene. The test revealed a profile belonging to an unknown individual.
After inputting the DNA profile into the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, a match was not discovered. Nearly two decades later, in March 2023, the profile of an unknown individual was submitted to Bode Technology for forensic genetic genealogy.
DNA Links Deceased Kenneth Robbins to 30-Year-Old Murder
Authorities in Austin, Texas, have cracked a decades-old unsolved murder case with the help of advancements in DNA forensics. The evidence found at the crime scene was successfully matched to the suspect, leading to a breakthrough in the investigation.
Through this process, a potential suspect was identified, despite not being previously known to the investigation. On September 8, 2023, detectives carried out a DNA search warrant to compare the suspect’s DNA with DNA discovered inside Mann’s home back in 1994.
The individual, known as Kenneth Robbins, was discovered deceased in his work vehicle after a span of five days in Weatherford, Texas. According to the police, the DNA found inside Mann’s home was a match with Robbins, providing confirmation of his identity.
According to a report from FOX 7, it was stated by the police that Robbins resided in Austin during the time of the murder. Police have confirmed that an autopsy conducted on Robbins concluded that he died by suicide.
