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Murder

Cold Case Solved: Atlanta Police Identify Suspect in 1995 Rape and Murder of 14-year-old Nacole Smith

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A 27-year-old cold case in Atlanta has finally seen some resolution, as authorities confirmed they have identified the man responsible for the rape and murder of 14-year-old Nacole Smith in 1995. Although the suspect, Kelvin Arnold, passed away in August 2021, his identification brings a sense of closure for Nacole's mother and the community. The Atlanta Police Department, led by Det. Scott Demeester, reopened the case in 2002 after a forensic match was obtained in 2004, but the suspect was not identified at the time. The investigation was revived using genetic genealogy, which led to the match of the suspect's DNA to Kelvin Arnold.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Atlanta Police Department identified Kelvin Arnold as the primary suspect in the 1995 rape and murder of 14-year-old Nacole Smith.
  • The suspect passed away in August 2021 due to liver and kidney failure.
  • Det. Scott Demeester took up the investigation in 2002, following in the footsteps of Det. Vince Velazquez, who had been working on the case since its onset.
  • A forensic match was obtained in 2004, but the suspect was not identified at that time.
  • The police department used genetic genealogy to match the suspect's DNA to Kelvin Arnold.
  • The investigation was sparked by a 2004 rape of a 13-year-old girl in East Point, Georgia.
  • Nacole's mother spoke at a press conference, describing the confirmation of the suspect's identity as bittersweet, but stating that it did not bring closure.
  • Betty Brown, the 13-year-old girl who was raped in East Point, was also present at the press conference and gave an emotional statement.

Statistics:

  • The cold case spanned 27 years from 1995 to 2022.
  • The suspect, Kelvin Arnold, passed away in August 2021 due to liver and kidney failure.
  • The forensic match was obtained in 2004, 13 years after the initial investigation began.
  • The police department's use of genetic genealogy led to the identification of the suspect's DNA match.
  • Betty Brown, the 13-year-old girl who was raped in East Point, gave an emotional statement at the press conference.

Sources:

  • “The Fulton County District Attorney's Office and the Atlanta Police Department have confirmed they have identified the man they believe is responsible for the rape and murder of 14-year-old Nacole Smith back in 1995.” (Source: WGCL)
  • “A news conference was held Tuesday to provide a significant update in the case.” (Source: WGCL)
  • “Det. Vince Velazquez, who has since retired from APD and is a security consultant, talked about his involvement with the case over the years.” (Source: WGCL)
  • “The Atlanta Police Department announced after the press conference that Kelvin Arnold is the primary suspect in the case.” (Source: WGCL)

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