Cold Case Files: DNA SPEAKS – Death of a Yellow Rose
Hosted by Paula Barros
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "DNA SPEAKS: Death of a Yellow Rose," hosted by Paula Barros on the Cold Case Files podcast, listeners are taken on a harrowing journey through the unresolved murder of Susan Woods. This episode delves deep into the complexities of a cold case that remained unsolved for decades, highlighting the pivotal role of DNA evidence in finally bringing justice.
Background
July 28, 1987, marked a tragic day in Stephenville, Texas, when Susan Woods, a 30-year-old woman, was brutally murdered. Susan was widely regarded as sweet, shy, and possessing a hilarious sense of humor. Her close-knit relationships, particularly with her best friend Cindy Hayes and Cindy's boyfriend Roy Hayes, set the stage for the unfolding tragedy.
The Crime
On that fateful summer night, Cindy Hayes and her boyfriend Roy were en route to visit Susan when they discovered the horrifying scene:
Cindy Hayes [00:56]: "I felt like Susan and I were like sisters, very close."
Upon arriving, they were met with emergency vehicles and crime scene tape. Susan's father, Joe Atkins, delivered the devastating news:
Joe Atkins [03:13]: "I found her body. I knew this guy was a devil."
Detectives at the scene described the brutality of the crime, noting Susan's hands were tied, and she had been sexually assaulted before drowning in water that had turned a pinkish hue due to decomposition.
The Investigation
Initial suspicions naturally fell upon Susan's ex-husband, Michael Woods, due to his erratic behavior and unresolved issues post-divorce. Roy Hayes recounted his concerns:
Roy Hayes [01:07]: "I bought an extra gun and started leaving my porch light on."
The investigators meticulously processed the crime scene, uncovering six cigarette butts that hinted the perpetrator was someone Susan knew, as there was no forced entry.
Lieutenant [09:19]: "There was some items on it. A soft drink can and chips and cigarette ashtray. There was several cigarette butts in it."
Despite compelling circumstantial evidence pointing towards Michael Woods, including his fingerprints at the scene, DNA technology of the time was insufficient to make a definitive connection. Michael's non-cooperation and eventual unmatch with the DNA evidence led the case to go cold.
Key Individuals
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Dr. Don Miller: The investigator who took the lead on the case. His persistence became crucial when new evidence emerged years later.
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Cindy Hayes: Susan's best friend, whose unwavering support and determination to seek justice played a significant role.
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Roy Hayes: Cindy's boyfriend, whose initial suspicions and emotional recounts provided deep insights into the case dynamics.
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Michael Woods: Susan's ex-husband, initially a prime suspect, whose DNA did not match the evidence at the crime scene.
Breakthrough with DNA
After 15 years, in May 2002, breakthroughs in forensic technology reignited the investigation. Detective Miller revisited the evidence, particularly focusing on the cigarette butts. Remarkably, male DNA was successfully extracted from the cigarette butts, despite concerns about DNA preservation over time.
Investigator [22:12]: "With technology the way it was, I just wanted to look at it from a whole different perspective."
However, the DNA profile did not match Michael Woods, leading investigators to search the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) database, which initially yielded no matches.
Unveiling the True Culprit
Persistence paid off in June 2006, when fingerprints from the crime scene were cross-referenced with the APHIS (Automatic Fingerprint Identification System) database, identifying Joseph Scott Hatley. Concurrently, DNA evidence confirmed his involvement:
Lieutenant [35:41]: "We had the confirmation that the fingerprints lifted at the crime scene were Hatley's. The palm prints on either side of Susan Wood's body were Hatley's. And the DNA that I extrapolated off the cigarette butts was indeed Hatley's."
Shannon Myers Barrientos' Testimony
Shannon Myers Barrientos played a pivotal role by bravely coming forward with her trauma:
Shannon Myers Barrientos [31:12]: "Scott did this to me. He raped me by the creek."
Her testimony provided crucial context and corroborated the evidence linking Hatley to the crime.
Resolution and Aftermath
Despite overwhelming evidence, Joseph Scott Hatley leveraged a plea deal in exchange for information on another case, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence—a decade shorter than warranted. Frustrations mounted when Hatley was released after 11 years due to parole, reigniting fears and memories of the case for those involved.
Roy Hayes [40:52]: "I had a pretty good cuss fit when they let Scott Hadley out. I also bought an extra gun and started leaving my porch light on because I didn't know that he wasn't going to come knocking on my door."
Tragically, Hatley died in December 2021, closing the chapter many years later but leaving emotional scars on the victims and their families.
Conclusions and Insights
The "Death of a Yellow Rose" episode underscores the transformative power of forensic science in solving cold cases. It highlights the resilience of investigators like Dr. Miller and the unwavering support of individuals like Cindy and Roy Hayes. The case emphasizes the importance of DNA evidence in delivering justice, even when initial investigations falter.
Notable reflections from the episode include:
Shannon Myers Barrientos [38:09]: "Lieutenant Miller called me. He told me, we have Joseph Scott Hatley behind bars. I took my first breath of air, of relief."
Michael Woods [43:08]: "She was the most beautiful thing in my life. And I made the mistake of choosing my music over my relationship in Texas. If I could do it all over again, I would never have left Susan."
The episode serves as a poignant reminder that justice can be delayed but not denied, provided there is unwavering dedication and advancements in technology.
Cold Case Files continues to shed light on unsolved mysteries, offering solace and closure to victims' families and inspiring hope that no case is too cold to be solved.