2 New York Cold Cases From 1970s Solved With DNA Evidence

Forensic genetic genealogy helps identify suspects and victims in decades-old murders

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:36pm

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Investigators in New York have solved two cold cases from the 1970s using DNA evidence and forensic genetic genealogy. The first case involved the 1974 murder of Nassau County resident Barbara Waldman, whose killer was identified as Thomas Generazio, a former sanitation worker who lived near Waldman. The second case involved the 1970 discovery of decapitated remains of an unidentified man in Allegany County, who was later identified as Clyde A. Coppage, a Pennsylvania resident who had never been reported missing.

Why it matters

These cases highlight the power of DNA technology and forensic genetic genealogy in solving long-standing cold cases and providing closure for victims' families, even decades later. They also demonstrate the importance of public engagement and cooperation in contributing DNA samples to help build forensic databases that aid investigations.

The details

In the Waldman case, investigators brought forensic evidence to Othram, a DNA lab that has created a forensic database using public DNA contributions. Othram developed a DNA profile for the suspect and the FBI's forensic genetic genealogy team used it to identify Generazio as the killer. In the Coppage case, Othram's "identity inference" technology allowed investigators to identify the victim even without a known reference sample. The FBI's follow-up investigation led them to Coppage's potential relatives, resulting in a positive identification.

  • Barbara Waldman was found murdered in her Oceanside, New York home on January 11, 1974.
  • Decapitated remains were discovered on a rural road in Allegany County, New York in March 1970.
  • In 2024, investigators brought forensic evidence from the Waldman case to Othram DNA lab.
  • In 2023, investigators teamed up with Othram to identify the Allegany County John Doe from 1970.
  • Thomas Generazio, the suspect in the Waldman murder, died in 2004.

The players

Barbara Waldman

A Nassau County, New York resident who was found murdered in her home in 1974.

Thomas Generazio

A former sanitation worker who lived near Barbara Waldman and was identified as the suspect in her 1974 murder.

Clyde A. Coppage

A 35-year-old man from Genesee, Pennsylvania whose decapitated remains were found in Allegany County, New York in 1970.

Othram

A Texas-based DNA lab that has created a forensic database using public DNA contributions to aid in investigations and solve cold cases.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI's forensic genetic genealogy team used DNA profiles developed by Othram to generate new leads in the cold cases.

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What they’re saying

“In both of the cases, families have been waiting for decades for answers and now they know more because of DNA technology.”

— Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer at Othram

“Using DNA and forensic genetic genealogy, we're going to continue solving cases and giving families answers.”

— Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer at Othram

What’s next

New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation investigators from SP Amity are now asking the public for help as the investigation into Clyde Coppage's death continues. Anyone with information about Coppage or the circumstances surrounding his death is asked to contact New York State Police at 585-344-6200.

The takeaway

These cases demonstrate the power of DNA technology and public engagement in solving long-standing cold cases, even decades later. They provide closure for victims' families and highlight the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, forensic labs, and the public in using genetic genealogy to bring justice.