Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation scientist, was charged with 102 felony counts related to manipulating DNA testing data during her 29-year career. Woods quickly returned from out of state to turn herself in after the charges were filed. Despite efforts to reduce her bail, she remains in jail facing serious accusations including forgery, perjury, and cybercrime.
The charges stem from Woods’ alleged alteration of DNA data in at least 58 cases, impacting the integrity of the criminal justice system. Her actions have raised questions about the trustworthiness of science, law enforcement, and the judicial system. Woods retired from the CBI in 2023 after an internal investigation revealed widespread problems in her work, including manipulation of DNA data in over 1,000 cases.
Prosecutors are now facing challenges in cases where Woods was involved, as her actions may have resulted in wrongful convictions. Concerns arise over cases where defendants were convicted based on potentially falsified evidence. The impact of Woods’ manipulation of DNA data has sent shockwaves through Colorado’s criminal justice system, with some cases being re-evaluated due to her involvement.
One such case is the 1985 killing of Roger Dean, where prosecutors in Douglas County offered a lesser charge and sentence due to concerns about the DNA data that Woods handled. Victims’ families, such as Dean’s daughter Tamara Dean Harney, are frustrated and seeking accountability for the impact Woods’ actions have had. The case highlights the need for vigilance in maintaining the integrity of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
