The case remained unsolved for nearly 20 years until McCraney’s arrest in 2019.
Ozark police, collaborating with Parabon NanoLabs. It specializes in forensic genetic genealogy. This cutting-edge technique uses an unidentified person’s DNA to trace their identity by exploring a network of relatives.
It has gained attention in various high-profile cases, including the Golden State Killer and the investigation into the murder of four Idaho college students.
After identifying an extended family member, authorities obtained a DNA sample from McCraney, a truck driver and preacher with no previous criminal record.
The sample was found to be a match with the DNA recovered from the crime scene, providing pivotal evidence for the prosecution. McCraney maintained his innocence. And claims he had consensual sex with Beasley but didn’t murder the girls.
During the sentencing, Coley McCraney displayed no visible emotion as he stood before the judge.
His defense attorneys announced they would seek a new trial based on allegations of juror misconduct. Defense attorney David Harrison claimed that some jurors had engaged in unauthorized online research and accessed social media platforms pertaining to the case.
