DNA Technology Leads to Arrest in 1981 Cold Case Murder of Yolanda Herrera

A more than 45-year-old Texas murder case has taken a major turn after investigators used advanced DNA technology and genetic genealogy to identify a suspect in the death of Yolanda Herrera, 23.

Herrera, a resident of Universal City, Texas, was last seen during the early morning hours of April 11, 1981, after leaving Johnny’s Inn in the Schertz area. She was believed to have been walking home.

Two days later, Herrera’s body was discovered in a wooded area near East Aviation Drive. Investigators determined that she had died from multiple injuries and found evidence indicating that she had also been sexually assaulted.

Decades later, investigators re-examined forensic evidence from the crime scene using newer DNA technology. According to police, technology provided by Othram helped investigators analyze the evidence and use genetic genealogy and DNA databases to develop a lead.

Authorities identified Kelly Lee Brower as a suspect. A DNA sample collected from Brower in Arizona in 2025 reportedly matched DNA recovered from the crime scene.

Police and Texas Rangers subsequently traveled to Arizona to interview Brower. Authorities said he confessed to murdering Herrera during the interview

Brower was arrested in Cottonwood, Arizona, on a warrant charging him with capital murder. He is currently awaiting extradition to Texas.

The arrest represents a significant breakthrough in a case that had remained unresolved for decades, demonstrating how advances in forensic DNA analysis and genetic genealogy can help investigators revisit long-unsolved crimes.

The charges and allegations against Brower remain subject to court proceedings, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Source: People Magazine