DNA Evidence Links Suspect to 2 Cold Case Murders in New Jersey

Prosecutors say the suspect was connected to the killings of Marebeth Welsh and Jennifer Persia in the 1990s.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:12pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered piece of evidence, such as a broken necklace clasp or torn fabric, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the investigation into a long-unsolved crime.Breakthrough DNA evidence in a decades-old cold case sheds new light on a tragic unsolved murder.Camden Today

Authorities in Camden County, New Jersey, have announced that DNA evidence has linked a suspect to the murders of 24-year-old Marebeth Welsh in 1993 and 16-year-old Jennifer Persia in 1994. The Camden County Prosecutor's Office is holding a press conference to provide more details on the case.

Why it matters

These cold case homicides have remained unsolved for over 30 years, leaving the victims' families without closure. The use of advanced DNA technology to finally identify a suspect represents a significant breakthrough that could help bring justice for the victims and their loved ones.

The details

Officials stated that the suspect was connected to the murders of Marebeth Welsh and Jennifer Persia through DNA evidence, though they did not release the suspect's name or any other identifying details. The press conference is expected to provide more information about the investigation and the evidence that led to the suspect's identification.

  • Marebeth Welsh was murdered in 1993.
  • Jennifer Persia was murdered in 1994.
  • The press conference is being held on April 9, 2026.

The players

Marebeth Welsh

A 24-year-old woman who was murdered in 1993 in Woodlynne, New Jersey.

Jennifer Persia

A 16-year-old girl who was murdered in 1994 in Magnolia, New Jersey.

Camden County Prosecutor's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the cold case murders.

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What’s next

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office is expected to provide more details on the suspect and the investigation during the press conference.

The takeaway

The use of advanced DNA technology has allowed authorities to finally make a breakthrough in these long-unsolved cold case murders, offering hope for justice and closure for the victims' families after decades of waiting.