America's Crime Lab
Season 1, Episode 2: Abduction Part 2
Release Date: July 16, 2025

Overview

In the second installment of the Carla Walker case, "Abduction Part 2," host Aylin Lance Lesser delves deeper into the decades-old mystery surrounding Carla Walker's abduction and murder. This episode explores the evolving investigative techniques, introduces key figures who reignite the search for justice, and highlights the groundbreaking role of forensic genetic genealogy in solving cold cases.

Background of the Carla Walker Case

[03:22] Paul Holes:
"A cold case by definition is code because there's no more leads. Police have nothing else to look at."

Karla Walker was abducted at gunpoint from a bowling alley parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1970. For 46 years, the case remained unsolved, casting a shadow of suspicion over her then-boyfriend, Rodney, while others believed in his innocence. Despite persistent efforts by various detectives and the Walker family, the truth remained elusive—until new technology and determined individuals stepped in.

Evidence and Initial Suspicions

[04:45] Aylin Lance Lesser:
"This is part two of the Carla Walker case. If you haven't listened to part one yet, please go back and listen."

The police collected several pieces of evidence:

• Carla’s powder blue dress, underwear, and bra.
• Rodney’s blood-stained shirt.
• A Ruger .22 magazine found at the crime scene.

[06:38] Katherine Fenollosa:
"Rodney's friends and the people that know him well are like, there is absolutely no way that Rodney did this. He adored Carla."

Despite Rodney's consistent assertions of innocence, discrepancies in his timeline and behavior raised suspicion. Notably, Rodney failed to return to Carla's house within an hour and a half after the abduction, a point of contention that fueled ongoing doubts about his involvement.

Introduction to Paul Holes and Forensic Genetic Genealogy

[08:59] Katherine Fenollosa:
"I'm gonna sort of fast forward to 2019 and Carla's case catches the attention of Paul Holes."

Paul Holes, renowned for solving the Golden State Killer case, becomes a pivotal figure in re-examining Carla Walker's case. His expertise in forensic genetic genealogy offers a new avenue to uncover the truth.

[12:12] Jim:
"In 1980, Charlene Smith was one of Golden State Killer's victims, and her sex kit was pristine. The coroner's office had kept it, and we were able to get a ton of Golden State Killer DNA from her vaginal swab."

This breakthrough in DNA technology allows investigators to link DNA evidence from crime scenes to distant relatives, constructing family trees that can lead to the perpetrator.

The Cowtown Cold Case Chicks and Othram's Involvement

[16:11] Katherine Fenollosa:
"Diane Kuykendall is part of a group called the Cowtown Cold Case Chicks—four women from Fort Worth who bonded over their shared interest in cold cases."

The group, consisting of Diane Kuykendall, Kathleen Barnett, Mary Kay Kruger, and Rose Moorlock, takes a proactive role in reviving Carla Walker's case. Their dedication leads them to CrimeCon, where they present Carla's case to Paul Holes.

[33:05] Katherine Fenollosa:
"David and Kristin Mittleman, founders of Othram, watch the episode and feel compelled to help solve Carla's case using their advanced DNA technology."

Othram, a Texas-based lab specializing in forensic DNA analysis, becomes instrumental in re-analyzing the evidence with cutting-edge techniques.

Breakthrough and Resolution

[40:14] Katherine Fenollosa:
"Detective Bennett ships the final tiny bits of DNA evidence to Othram, hoping for a breakthrough."

Despite initial setbacks—such as the consumption of the primary DNA sample—Othram's forensic-grade genome sequencing successfully analyzes a mixed DNA sample from Carla's dress. This advanced method examines up to one million DNA markers, vastly exceeding traditional techniques.

[44:45] Paul Holes:
"I'll never forget being able to call Jim and tell him, we arrested the individual who murdered your sister. The case is closed."

The meticulous collaboration between detectives, the Cowtown Cold Case Chicks, and Othram culminates in the arrest of the perpetrator, bringing long-awaited justice to Carla Walker's family and the community.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Holes [03:22]:
  "A cold case by definition is code because there's no more leads. Police have nothing else to look at."

• Katherine Fenollosa [06:38]:
  "Rodney doesn't show up at Carla's parents house for a long time after he says that she was abducted."

• Jim [15:24]:
  "This was the first time it had been used in this type of investigation. And it really wasn't until several months later... I was just like, ah, gotcha."

• Kristin Mittleman [43:07]:
  "We knew we were working with the last bit of sample that was left. We were going to be the last chance."

• Paul Holes [44:45]:
  "I'll never forget being able to call Jim and tell him, we arrested the individual who murdered your sister. The case is closed."

Conclusion

"Abduction Part 2" not only highlights the persistence required to solve cold cases but also underscores the transformative impact of modern DNA technology. Through the combined efforts of dedicated individuals and innovative forensic science, Carla Walker's tragic story finds its resolution, offering hope and closure to those affected.

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring more about forensic genetic genealogy and its role in criminal investigations, Othram stands out as a leader in the field, providing advanced DNA analysis that continues to solve cases that were once deemed unsolvable.

This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and investigative progression of Carla Walker's case.