CBI: Former scientist manipulated data in over 600 cases

Morgan Whitley
·5 min read
1

DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has completed its internal affairs investigation into a former DNA scientist and found that the scientist had manipulated data in the DNA testing process.

CBI released the findings from their investigation on Yvonne “Missy” Woods on Friday.

In November 2023, it was reported that Woods was no longer working with CBI. In September 2023 CBI discovered “anomalies” in her DNA testing work, and in October 2023, she was placed on administrative leave.

Woods had been working with the CBI’s Forensic Services division for 29 years.

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Investigation finds scientist manipulated data

After several months of investigation, CBI said the report revealed that Woods “manipulated data in the DNA testing process, posting incomplete test results in some cases. This discovery puts all of her work in question, and CBI is in the process of reviewing all her previous work for data manipulation to ensure the integrity of all CBI laboratory results.”

The investigation from CBI was dated Feb. 26 and it found Woods had:

  • Omitted material facts in official criminal justice records,

  • Tampered with DNA testing results by omitting some of those results, and

  • Violated CBI’s Code of Conduct and CBI laboratory policies ranging from data retention to quality control measures.

According to CBI, 652 cases between 2008 and 2023 were identified as being affected by Woods’ data manipulation.

CBI said the data was manipulated in the following ways:

  • Deleted and altered data that concealed Woods’ tampering with controls

  • Deleted data that concealed Woods’ failure to troubleshoot issues within the testing process

  • Failed to provide thorough documentation in the case record related to certain tests performed

Per the investigation, CBI claims the manipulation was intentional on Woods’ part.

“The review did not find that Woods falsified DNA matches or otherwise fabricated DNA profiles. She instead deviated from standard testing protocols and cut corners, calling into question the reliability of the testing she conducted. According to CBI’s policies and procedures, Woods should have conducted additional testing to ensure the reliability of her results in these affected cases,” said CBI in a release.

An attorney for Woods issued a statement Friday afternoon:

Ms. Woods had been a loyal and dedicated forensic scientist with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for close to 30 years. She’s worked with and trained generations of prosecutors, scientists and law enforcement agents over those years.

While the allegations resulting from the internal investigation alleged that that Ms. Woods deviated from standard protocols and cut corners in her work. The findings of the internal investigation support Ms. Woods earlier statements she’s never created or reported any false inculpatory DNA matches or exclusions, nor has she testified falsely in any hearing or trial resulting in a false conviction or unjust imprisonment. To the extent that the findings of the internal investigation calls into questions the rest of her work over 29 years with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Ms. Woods will continue to cooperate with law enforcement to preserve the integrity of her work that resulted in true and just criminal justice findings – whether arrests, convictions or exonerations.

Ryan W. Brackley

CBI scientist worked on high-profile cases

Over the years, Woods was connected to some high-profile cases, including the Kobe Bryant sex assault case that was eventually dropped, the Susannah Chase murder case and the Alex Ewing hammer killings case.

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CBI said the anomalies were found while reviewing a sampling of cases as part of an internal process.

“Public trust in our institutions is critical to the fulfillment of our mission,” said CBI Director Chris Schaefer. “Our actions in rectifying this unprecedented breach of trust will be thorough and transparent.”

Michael Dougherty, the 20th Judicial District attorney for Boulder County, said his office has 15 open cases and 55 closed cases that included Woods as a witness.

“We have one filed petition for post-conviction relief based on this issue that is pending, and another one that was previously pending and is now on hold. To be clear, those numbers are for cases in which she was/is endorsed as a witness — not cases with anomalies from the State Lab. Whenever information is received from the State Lab, our office immediately provides it to the defense attorneys on these cases in a manner consistent with our ethical obligations and discovery requirements. It is too early, though, to tell what the impacts will be or whether any re-trials will be required,” Dougherty said in a statement.

Meanwhile, FOX31’s Samantha Spitz spoke with another attorney who said he’s exploring what to do about three cases he worked on where Woods was involved.

“When the foundation of the evidence that’s created is compromised, the lack of credibility pervades the entire system,” said Casey Krizman, owner and CEO of Krizman law.

Following these findings, CBI said they are engaging in a comprehensive audit of all their DNA analysts to ensure their catalog is complete and accurate.

The Office of the State Public Defender released a statement Friday, saying it cannot comment on specific cases involving Woods but said it is “very likely” that criminal cases will be reopened because of her actions.

“The lack of transparency from the CBI about this matter is extremely concerning,” the statement reads in part. “One of the most pressing questions is whether any person has been wrongfully convicted as a result of misconduct. CBI and other law enforcement should be immediately forthcoming with the public and the people directly impacted by the misconduct and possible crimes committed by the DNA analysts they employed.”

CBI scientist not the only one who may have manipulated data

During the seven-month-long internal investigation, CBI said they discovered indications of a separate employee that may have manipulated data.

According to a release from CBI, an analyst employed by the Weld County Sheriff’s Office at the Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Laboratory may have also manipulated DNA testing data.

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CBI said this case is separate from Woods’ and was referred to the Weld County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

According to the sheriff’s office, the analyst was fired in early March after an investigation.

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