How DNA Forensic Genetic Genealogy Brought A Monster To Justice

How DNA Forensic Genetic Genealogy Brought A Monster To Justice

Author: Robert Riggs May 9, 2023 Duration: 39:21
50 Sexual Assault Victims Will Never Forget The Stare of Serial Rapist David Hawkins When He Held A Gun To Their Heads

This is the third episode in my series about how new DNA technology solves previously unsolvable cold cases.  It’s called FGG — Forensic Genetic Genealogy.

I’m investigative reporter Robert Riggs taking you inside the crime scene case into how the first use of forensic genetic genealogy in Dallas County, Texas, caught a serial rapist responsible for over 50 victims.

76-year-old David Thomas Hawkins – Serial Rapist – Serving Life Sentence – Michael Maximum Security Prison – Texas

75-year-old David Thomas Hawkins of Fort Worth, Texas, left a trail of victims along his truck route for at least ten years.

The investigation by the office of District Attorney John Creuzot was made possible by a Sexual Assault Kit Initiative federal grant known as SAKI.

Leighton D’Antoni — Cold Case Prosecutor Dallas County

You will learn more about SAKI in this episode from cold case prosecutor Leighton D’Antoni who is solving cases once thought to be unsolvable.

D’Antoni is on the cutting edge of using sophisticated DNA technology that stems from research on the human genome project to solve murders and sexual assault cases.


You Can Reach D’Antoni at: leighton.dantoni@dallascounty.org


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Robert Riggs has spent decades as an investigative reporter, and in True Crime Reporter, he applies that relentless, document-driven approach to the stories that haunt us. This isn't just a retelling of grim headlines; it's a meticulous walk through active case files, historical injustices, and the societal undercurrents that allow crime to flourish. Each episode feels like you're sitting across from Riggs as he lays out his notes, connecting dots between evidence, witness accounts, and the often-overlooked details that change a narrative. You'll hear the tension in the pursuit of truth, the weight of unresolved questions, and the quiet impact on communities and families left in the wake of violence. The podcast moves beyond the sensational to examine the cultural and systemic factors at play, offering a sober, deeply researched perspective. Listen for long-form narratives that build like a detective's board, where every piece of audio, every interview, and every document serves a purpose. It’s for those who want to understand the 'why' and the 'how' as much as the 'who,' presented with the clarity and authority of a seasoned journalist who knows the terrain. This is a journey into real stories, handled with the care they demand, and it naturally becomes an essential listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of human behavior, justice, and the news.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

True Crime Reporter
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