EPISODE · Jan 12, 2026 · 52 MIN
90. DNA Delivers in April Tinsley’s Murder Investigation with ISP Capt. Kevin Smith
from Buried Bylines · host Mallory Wilson and Megan DeLucenay
In April 1988, eight-year-old April Marie Tinsley disappeared while walking in her Fort Wayne, Indiana neighborhood — and three days later her body was found in a ditch, the victim of a brutal kidnapping, sexual assault, and strangulation. What followed would become one of Indiana’s most haunting cold cases: for more than 30 years, the killer remained at large, taunting investigators and the community with cryptic notes and DNA-linked clues left around town.Despite extensive local and federal investigation, including leads on threatening messages discovered in the 1990s and 2000s, the case went unresolved — until advances in forensic genealogy finally broke it open. In 2018, investigators used cutting-edge DNA analysis and genealogy databases to identify John D. Miller, a reclusive local man, as the perpetrator.In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional and investigative journey behind the case — and sit down with Captain Kevin Smith of the Indiana State Police, who leads the newly formed ISP cold case team. Captain Smith shares firsthand insights from years of painstaking work, the challenges of tracking a killer across decades, and how evolving forensic tools finally brought justice for April. It’s a story of loss, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of answers that no case — no matter how old — should be forgotten.SOURCES:
What this episode covers
In April 1988, eight-year-old April Marie Tinsley disappeared while walking in her Fort Wayne, Indiana neighborhood — and three days later her body was found in a ditch, the victim of a brutal kidnapping, sexual assault, and strangulation. What followed would become one of Indiana’s most haunting cold cases: for more than 30 years, the killer remained at large, taunting investigators and the community with cryptic notes and DNA-linked clues left around town.Despite extensive local and federal investigation, including leads on threatening messages discovered in the 1990s and 2000s, the case went unresolved — until advances in forensic genealogy finally broke it open. In 2018, investigators used cutting-edge DNA analysis and genealogy databases to identify John D. Miller, a reclusive local man, as the perpetrator.In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional and investigative journey behind the case — and sit down with Captain Kevin Smith of the Indiana State Police, who leads the newly formed ISP cold case team. Captain Smith shares firsthand insights from years of painstaking work, the challenges of tracking a killer across decades, and how evolving forensic tools finally brought justice for April. It’s a story of loss, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of answers that no case — no matter how old — should be forgotten.SOURCES:
NOW PLAYING
90. DNA Delivers in April Tinsley’s Murder Investigation with ISP Capt. Kevin Smith
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Jul 16, 2026 ·2m
Jul 15, 2026 ·75m
Jul 12, 2026 ·61m
Jul 10, 2026 ·61m
Jul 8, 2026 ·67m