Lakewood, Colorado – A former DNA analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been found to have intentionally manipulated data in DNA testing processes over a span of at least 15 years. The analyst, Yvonne “Missy” Woods, worked at the CBI crime lab for nearly three decades before the internal affairs investigation uncovered her misconduct.
The investigation, which began in September 2023, revealed that Woods manipulated DNA testing data and sometimes posted incomplete test results. The CBI disclosed that approximately 652 cases were impacted by Woods’ data manipulation between 2008 and 2023, with a review of her work from 1994 to 2008 currently underway.
In a release, the CBI stated that Woods “omitted material facts in official criminal justice records,” tampered with DNA testing results by omitting crucial information, and violated the bureau’s code of conduct and lab policies. The investigation found evidence that Woods intentionally altered data, leading to serious concerns about the accuracy and reliability of her work.
Attorney Ryan Brackley, representing Woods, mentioned that she cooperated with law enforcement to uphold the integrity of her work, which he claimed produced truthful criminal justice outcomes. Despite Woods’ retirement from her post on November 6, the CBI vowed to address the ramifications of her actions and to reinforce the integrity of their testing processes.
Moreover, a separate criminal investigation into Woods’ conduct was launched late last year, and the CBI is taking steps to improve testing protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. CBI Director Chris Schaefer emphasized the importance of public trust in their institutions and pledged thorough and transparent actions to rectify the breach of trust caused by Woods.
As part of their efforts to restore trust, the CBI announced plans to conduct an audit of all DNA analysts to verify the accuracy and completeness of their records. Additionally, another analyst working in a different forensic laboratory was flagged for potential DNA testing data manipulation, signaling a broader concern within the forensic science community.