Cold Case Homicide Solved After Nearly 50 Years
The Oklahoma City Police Cold Case Unit recently solved a homicide from nearly half a century ago. On May 14th, 1976, the body of 68-year-old Lela Johnston was discovered by a neighbor inside her duplex in the 3600 block of N. Robinson. Ms. Johnston had been raped and strangled to death.
As the years went by and the case remained unsolved, the progression of DNA technology (which didn’t exist at the time of the murder) made it possible for investigators to take another look at the case.
In 2004, based on evidence that was collected during the initial homicide investigation, a DNA profile of the killer was obtained. That profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System, otherwise known as CODIS. CODIS is the national database that stores DNA profiles of convicted offenders, evidence from crime scenes, and missing persons. Unfortunately, the DNA profile of the murder suspect did not match any profiles in CODIS. The case once again went cold.
In May of 2023, investigators utilized the services of DNA Labs International (DLI). DLI can search genetic profiles of people who have voluntarily submitted samples to genealogy sites. DLI genealogist Allison Martin-Krensky was able to find a match to the family tree of the suspected killer. Ms. Martin-Krensky worked with OKCPD Cold Case investigators for over a year, narrowing their search of the family tree until they finally identified the killer, Charles O. Droke (B/M, DOB: 2/18/1948).
The evidence shows that Mr. Droke forced entry into Ms. Johnston’s residence, back in May of 1976, where he subsequently raped her and then brutally murdered her. Nearly 13 years later, in January of 1989, Mr. Droke became a victim of homicide as well, as he was murdered by his own brother who had been recently released from prison.
The killing of Ms. Johnston is the first case ever solved by the OKCPD using DNA from a genealogy site. We want to thank DLI for their work on this case.
DLI is a private forensic DNA laboratory and was enlisted to utilize the latest forensic technology available on this case. Since 2004, DLI has been providing clients with an exceptional quality service based on open communications, equal attention to the importance of every case, and accurate and reliable results every time. They provide the latest technology available to solve cases, such as Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). DLI was the first ANAB, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, and FBI QAS-accredited forensic laboratory to offer FIGG testing in-house.
PIO Contact: MSgt. Gary Knight, 405/297-1111
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Disclaimer:
This alert does not constitute an official police department record. Alerts are periodic and not intended to represent all public safety issues in our community. Call 911 immediately in any emergency situation.
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