PA PA - Dana Bailey, 21, State College, 4 March 1987

[morf13]

I fully believe Dana's case will be solved with DNA and/or genealogy. I AM HOWEVER SHOCKED, it's taking this long.
I am not blaming anyone or finger pointing here, but sometimes, some of these police agencies need to be nudged and reminded, that things you could not do with DNA 10 years ago, or even 5 may be very possible now in 2024. At one time they may have been afraid to test the DNA for fear of using up the limited sample they may have, but in 2024, this may not be the case. ALL OF THE EVIDENCE should be re-tested with modern technology. There may be touch DNA previously missed. This killer handled bindings that may have their DNA or a hair of theirs, and in the year 2024, we CAN obtain a DNA profile even from a rootless hair. I know this killer left physical evidence, it's just a question of how carefully was it collected, and stored?

 

[J. J. in Phila]

I fully believe Dana's case will be solved with DNA and/or genealogy. I AM HOWEVER SHOCKED, it's taking this long.
I am not blaming anyone or finger pointing here, but sometimes, some of these police agencies need to be nudged and reminded, that things you could not do with DNA 10 years ago, or even 5 may be very possible now in 2024. At one time they may have been afraid to test the DNA for fear of using up the limited sample they may have, but in 2024, this may not be the case. ALL OF THE EVIDENCE should be re-tested with modern technology. There may be touch DNA previously missed. This killer handled bindings that may have their DNA or a hair of theirs, and in the year 2024, we CAN obtain a DNA profile even from a rootless hair. I know this killer left physical evidence, it's just a question of how carefully was it collected, and stored?

As I indicated, there is the possibility that the killer is dead.

They DO have the DNA.

 

[morf13]

As I indicated, there is the possibility that the killer is dead.

They DO have the DNA.

Having the DNA is one thing- whether it’s productive and will lead to results is something else. And dead or alive, genealogy may one day lead to the killer’s identity

 

[DancyNrew]

Hi All! Born and raised in State College then went to Penn State, my parents still live there so I visit nearly every month. I found out about this case only a few years ago. It is definitely not as well-known as other unsolved cases in town (Betsy Aardsma, Ray Gricar, Cindy Song) and I don't understand why. I understand that the killer may be dead but why have there been no updates in this case? Do the police need a push, does Dana's family no longer want to seek justice (which would be totally understandable), no funding for additional DNA testing? This feels like a case that could be solved. I would never want to cause any harm to Dana's family if they have made peace, but how frowned upon is it to ask the police for an update? I am semi new here (this is my first post) and I am wondering if anyone has done that before. Thank you in advance for any input!

 

[J. J. in Phila]

Hi All! Born and raised in State College then went to Penn State, my parents still live there so I visit nearly every month. I found out about this case only a few years ago. It is definitely not as well-known as other unsolved cases in town (Betsy Aardsma, Ray Gricar, Cindy Song) and I don't understand why. I understand that the killer may be dead but why have there been no updates in this case? Do the police need a push, does Dana's family no longer want to seek justice (which would be totally understandable), no funding for additional DNA testing? This feels like a case that could be solved. I would never want to cause any harm to Dana's family if they have made peace, but how frowned upon is it to ask the police for an update? I am semi new here (this is my first post) and I am wondering if anyone has done that before. Thank you in advance for any input!

The rumor is that the prime suspect died and LE is not pursing anything.

 

[morf13]

It completely boggles my mind that this case has not been solved.
Between Dana's body, and the bindings on her, I think it would be highly unlikely that DNA from her killer was not found, and that a profile has not been generated. Now adays, a rootless hair can lead to a DNA profile. If that killer left any piece of himself behind, this case could be solved. So why is it taking so long? Was it mishandled at the beginning, evidence lost? No idea, but it is inexcusable for the police to not pursue answers, even if the prime suspect is dead. We hear about cases every week that get solved with DNA and genealogy years later, and in many cases, the killer is dead. That doesn't stop police from proving who killed the victim, and only then closing it and providing peace and answers for the victim's family. Police in that area know this process works. They have seen it work in Lancaster County in the Lindy Sue Biechler and Christy Mirack cases. They should have no reason to stop pursuing justice, and currently, there is no shortage of companies that are doing this work, which should result in lower prices, so money can not be a factor.

Other members here state with certainty that they do have the killer's DNA, and if true, pressure needs to be put on the investigators in this case to provide some update of some sort

 

[morf13]

I predict this case will be solved soon!

Wow, 7 years since I made this post