Colorado finds DNA scientist cut corners, raising questions in hundreds of criminal cases

A former Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA scientist intentionally cut corners and didn’t follow standard testing protocols, raising questions about hundreds of cases in which she processed evidence, the agency said Friday, calling it “an unprecedented breach of trust.”

The investigation found Yvonne “Missy” Woods manipulated data in the DNA testing process and posted incomplete test results in some cases, but it did not find that she falsified DNA matches or otherwise fabricated DNA profiles, the bureau said.

“The discovery puts all of her work in question,” the agency said in a statement, adding that it was reviewing “all her previous work for data manipulation to ensure the integrity of all CBI laboratory results.”

Investigators have found 652 cases affected by Woods’ data manipulation from 2008 through 2023, the agency said. They’re still reviewing additional work dating back to 1994.

Woods worked for the lab for 29 years. CBI became aware of irregularities in her work in September 2023. She was placed on administrative leave in early October and retired on Nov. 6, the agency said.

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