Dna Samples Collected For 2 Years Serial Killer Force Has Been Presenting Evidence To Special Inquiry Judge

Wed., March 1, 2000

By Mike Roarke mikero@spokesman.com

Spokane’s Homicide Task Force has actively been collecting DNA samples from potential serial killer suspects during its two-year investigation.

But sheriff’s Sgt. Cal Walker said Tuesday he would not reveal how many samples have been gathered.

He also declined to discuss the type of DNA evidence found at crime scenes that could ultimately identify the killer.

During a public meeting Monday night, investigators said they have tapped DNA databases to eliminate thousands of suspects.

Investigators also said they eliminated former Spokane Police Chief Terry Mangan as a suspect after at least one tipster suggested his name.

Although investigators said they have the killer’s unique genetic identifier, other details of the murders will continue to be shielded from the public.

“There are a lot of different ways to eliminate people besides DNA,” Walker said Tuesday.

The task force - with the assistance of Deputy Prosecutor John Driscoll - has been presenting information in the investigation to a special inquiry judge in Spokane County Superior Court.

A single-page court document from August 1998 makes reference to the secret proceedings. The document shows that Judge Michael Donohue was hearing serial killer evidence in 1998 and possibly early 1999 - the last time court papers refer to a special inquiry matter.

Driscoll refused to confirm or deny Tuesday whether a special inquiry judge is reviewing information about the serial murders.

The proceedings are similar to those of a grand jury. The forum can be used to compel witness testimony or to secure search warrants in private.

“Anything within a special inquiry stays within those bounds until charges are filed,” Driscoll said.

The serial killer has officially been linked to the deaths of eight women in Spokane and two in the Tacoma area. One woman, Melody Ann Murfin, 43, has not been found.

Detectives are looking into at least eight other cases. All of the killer’s confirmed victims had lifestyles that involved drugs, prostitution, or both.

Walker would not say in which deaths the killer’s DNA was present.

A state DNA database is maintained by the Washington State Patrol. A national DNA network, called CODIS, is being set up by the FBI.

Technical barriers have made it hard to quickly standardize DNA databases, Walker said.

Laws now require sexual or violent crime offenders to submit to blood tests for recovering DNA.

This sidebar appeared with the story: AT A GLANCE Victims

Confirmed victims of the Spokane serial killer and the dates and places their bodies were found:

Connie LaFontaine Ellis, Oct. 13, 1998, Tacoma area

Michelyn Derning, July 7, 1998, Spokane

Melody Murfin, May 12, 1998, body missing

Linda Maybin, April 1, 1998, Spokane

Sunny Oster, Feb. 8, 1998, Spokane

Shawn McClenahan, Dec. 26, 1997, Spokane

Laurie Wason, Dec. 26, 1997, Spokane

Shawn Johnson, Dec. 18, 1997, Spokane

Melinda Mercer, Dec. 7, 1997, Tacoma area

Darla Scott, Nov. 5, 1997, Spokane

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