Former Colorado Crime Analyst Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in DNA Testing Scandal
Woods admitted to four felonies after investigators found she altered DNA data in 1,045 cases and triggered reviews of hundreds of convictions.
- On Tuesday, Jefferson County District Judge Andrew Poland sentenced former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist Yvonne "Missy" Woods to 10 years in prison for her role in a DNA testing scandal.
- Woods pleaded guilty to four felonies, including cybercrime and forgery, after admitting she manipulated DNA data to speed up processing during her 29-year career at the agency.
- Prosecutors described a pattern of deception spanning more than 100 cases; the investigation revealed Woods mishandled at least 1,045 criminal cases, costing the state an estimated $11 million to retest evidence.
- Convictions were dismissed in cases including a 1994 Boulder murder, while prosecutors offered reduced sentences in other murder cases to avoid relying on tainted DNA evidence.
- Lawmakers passed legislation in 2025 to increase forensic testing oversight, yet post-conviction challenges continue across Colorado as officials warn the uncertainty caused by Woods' actions will linger for years.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Former Colorado forensic scientist sentenced to 10 years for altering DNA reports
A former Colorado forensic scientist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after admitting to altering DNA data and issuing false or misleading laboratory reports in dozens of criminal cases, according to prosecutors. Her manipulation of laboratory data affected hundreds of additional cases, including cases involving women and children who had reported sexual assault. […]
Authorities accused Missy Woods of altering years worth of data in cases involving homicide, sexual assault and robbery
Associated Press News
Former Colorado crime analyst gets 10-year prison sentence for manipulating DNA data
A judge has sentenced a former forensic analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to 10 years in prison after prosecutors said she manipulated and omitted data to speed up her work.
Ex-Colorado Bureau of Investigation analyst Missy Woods sentenced to 10 years in prison in DNA testing scandal
GOLDEN, Colo. — A Jefferson County judge sentenced former Colorado Bureau of Investigation scientist Yvonne “Missy” Woods to 10 years in prison Tuesday for her role in a years-long DNA testing scandal that shook confidence in the state’s criminal justice…
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