NJ Jennifer Persia, 16, murdered 1994 & Marebeth Welsh, 24, murdered 1993. Solved with genetic genealogy, 2026

[Angelcat13]

WOW! I am fairly local and remember the murder of Jennifer Persia. She was 4 years older than my son so it really got to me. I was stunned - AND SO VERY HAPPY - to finally know who was responsible for the deaths of these two beautiful young women. I am angry that their killer is already dead, but I have to believe that he has received the ultimate “sentencing” he deserved.

May Jennifer and Marebeth rest in peace and may their families and friends finally find some peace, too.


Check out this article from Burlington County Times:

DNA links deceased man to 2 South Jersey murders

https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/story/news/crime/2026/04/09/cold-case-solved-jennifer-persia-magnolia-nj-marebeth-welsh-woodlynne-francis-schooley-dna/89536361007/

 

[dotr]

Apr 9, 2026 #ColdCase #NewJersey #Crime
'Two brutal murders from the early 1990s that haunted South Jersey for decades have finally been solved. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Cold Case Division announced a breakthrough confirming that the killings of 24‑year‑old Marebeth Welsh and 16‑year‑old Jennifer Persia were committed by the same suspect. Advances in DNA technology brought long‑awaited answers to families and communities who had waited more than 30 years for justice. Welsh was found dead on a Camden street in 1993. Just months later, Persia was discovered stabbed to death inside a home in Magnolia. DNA testing conducted in recent years — including confirmation through the suspect’s relatives — identified Francis Schooley of Mantua Township as the man responsible for both crimes. Schooley, who had personal connections to both victims, died by suicide in 2000 and will never face trial. '

Detectives use DNA to ID suspect in cold case murders of NJ teen, woman

DNA evidence has led to investigators identifying a New Jersey man as the suspect responsible for the murder of two young women in the 1990s.

www.nbcphiladelphia.com

Francis T. Schooley. Credit: Office of the Camden County Prosecutor
Prosecutors said Schooley would be charged in both of these cases, if he was still alive.
“Thanks to remarkable advances in DNA technology and diligent detective work, we have finally been able to bring answers to two families who have waited decades for justice,” said Camden County