DNA from man’s spit on sidewalk helps police arrest him in 36-year-old murder case

A 36-year-old cold case was finally solved when the prime suspect, who had stabbed a young woman to death in her home, was identified through DNA evidence from a spit on the sidewalk.

In 1988, a 25-year-old woman named Karen Taylor, was found murdered in her home with 15 stab wounds on her head, neck, and chest.

The accused James Holloman’s paycheck was discovered at Karen Taylor's murder scene, but police were not able to indict him due to a lack of sufficient evidence until recently.

DNA evidence from Holloman was matched to samples collected from under Taylor's fingernails, a bloody sweatshirt, and a cigarette discovered at the crime scene.

The accused, who had no prior criminal record, was arrested on September 19.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden attributed the successful resolution of the case to "superb investigative work by detectives and prosecutors utilizing modern criminological science." 

"Most importantly, it provides an opportunity for Karen Taylor's loved ones to see someone held accountable for her death after so many years of unanswered questions," he added. 

James Holloman's lawyers have challenged the reliability of the DNA evidence after such a long time.

Karen Taylor and her 3-year-old daughter were at their home in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood on May 27, 1988.

Taylor's daughter informed her grandmother that she was unable to wake her mother up, as stated by the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

After arriving at her daughter's home at 37 Williams Street in Roxbury, Taylor's mother was unable to gain entry to her room.

She attempted to enter through the bedroom window from behind and discovered her daughter's blood-soaked body lying face down.