DNA From Coors Light Can Leads to Arrest in 1981 Texas Murder, Affidavit Says
Investigators used forensic genetic genealogy and a discarded beer can to link Brower to Herrera’s 1981 killing, with DNA odds of at least 1 in 31 billion.
- On August 29, 2026, authorities arrested 68-year-old Kelly Lee Brower in Cottonwood, Arizona, on a capital murder charge in connection with the 1981 death of Yolanda Herrera in Universal City.
- Texas Rangers cracked the 45-year-old case using forensic genealogy and DNA evidence. DNA from a discarded Coors Light can matched samples found under Herrera's fingernails, with a random-match probability of at least 1 in 31 billion.
- Herrera, 23, was last seen April 11, 1981, leaving Johnny's Inn in Schertz. Her body was discovered two days later near the 500 block of East Aviation Blvd, with autopsy results confirming multiple blunt-force injuries.
- During an August 18 hospital interview, Brower allegedly confessed to the killing. According to court documents, he stated his "higher self" told him "that I killed her" and admitted using his hands.
- Brower was extradited to the Bexar County Jail following his arrest and remains in custody on a $1 million bail. The capital murder case now proceeds through the Texas legal system.
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13 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)How a Coors Light can helped police find the suspect in a 1981 cold case
The victim’s body was found in a field by children walking to school in 1981, but the investigation stalled for decades until advanced genetic genealogy reopened the trail
DNA from discarded beer can cracked 1981 Universal City cold case, affidavit states
DNA from a discarded beer can and a hospital bedside confession helped Texas Rangers crack a 45-year-old cold case murder, according to court documents filed in Bexar County.Kelly Lee Brower, 68, was arrested on Aug. 19 in Cottonwood, Arizona, on a capital murder charge in the death of Yolanda Herrera, according to the Universal City Police Department.According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the break in the case came through forensic genetic …
Murder suspect arrested after 45 years at large after positive DNA match
Texas Rangers arrest-warrant 68-year-old Arizona man in 1981 Universal City killing of Yolanda Herrera. Affidavit cites DNA and forensic genealogy, a Coors Light can match, and ICU statements after a suicide attempt.
Coors Light Can DNA Leads to Arrest in 1981 Texas Murder Case, Affidavit Says
NewsFinale NewsFinale Journal DNA evidence has resulted in the arrest of Kelly Lee Brower, who is accused in the 1981 killing of Yolanda Herrera in Texas, according to details outlined in an arrest affidavit. UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas — Investigators say DNA collected from a beer can helped lead authorities to a man they believe was responsible for a […] The post Coors Light Can DNA Leads to Arrest in 1981 Texas Murder Case, Affidavit Says appeared …
Texas Rangers, Universal City Police solve 1981 murder
AUSTIN – An Arizona man will soon be extradited to Texas on capital murder charges after modern forensic testing identified him as the person responsible for a 1981 sexual assault and murder. The suspect, Kelly Lee Brower, 68, was arrested on Aug. 19, 2026, in Cottonwood, Ariz. On April 13, 1981, 23-year-old Yolanda Herrera’s nude body
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