DNA Breakthrough Solves 10-Year Cold Case | Austin News

After 12 years, a cold case murder in Arlington is finally solved thanks to groundbreaking genetic genealogy. Mayra Velasquez, a friend of the victim, was charged with capital murder after DNA from a discarded fork matched blood found at the scene — linking her to the brutal stabbing of Irasema Chavez, who was stabbed over 100 times. Surveillance footage showed her entering the apartment just before the attack. The breakthrough, part of a broader push by Arlington PD to solve cold cases using modern DNA tech, brought long-awaited justice — and emotional closure — to the victim’s family. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/626fbfc09d13125f