CrimeCon 2026

What happens when the DNA of violent offenders — including suspected serial killers — never makes it into the national database?

In this powerful fireside chat, Bill Thomas and Detective Lindsey Wade (ret.) examine the barriers that allow violent offenders to remain invisible in national databases, the investigative challenges that follow, and the reforms needed to close this gap.

Detective Wade shares how she discovered Ted Bundy’s DNA was not in CODIS more than two decades after his execution — and how her efforts helped lead to its inclusion in 2011. Wade will also discuss her role in advancing Jennifer and Michella’s Law, a Washington State reform allowing DNA from deceased offenders to be entered into CODIS — a change that has already helped solve long-cold cases.

Bill Thomas brings a deeply personal perspective through his decades-long pursuit of answers in the Colonial Parkway Murders, which claimed the life of his sister, Cathy. He’ll discuss the recent identification of a suspect linked through forensic evidence after death -- highlighting the devastating consequences of current legal limitations and the urgent need for reform.

This session offers a rare intersection of investigative insight, victim advocacy, and policy reform — showing how overlooked DNA can mean the difference between a case staying cold and finally being solved.