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Nov 24, 2008 9:22 pm US/Central
Fingerprints Found In 2007 Doorstep Murder Case
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Investigators have discovered new clues in the murder of Marianne Wilkinson.
The 68-year-old grandmother was killed last December in the doorway of her own home. Someone rang the doorbell and when she answered it someone shot her to death.
Investigators at the North Richland Hills Police Department say they are cautiously optimistic after finding fingerprints on shell casing connected to the murder.
On Easter, police found the handgun used in the attack on a public street corner.
Last week, North Richland Hills Police Detective Tony Roten took five shell casings from the murder weapon to England. Forensic scientist Doctor John Bond developed breakthrough technology to identify fingerprints on shell casings, even if they've been fired through a gun.
Friday, tests done at the North Amptonshire Police Department revealed several fingerprints on the shell casings in this case.
"We do know there is one good print, but I'm not at liberty to say how many prints," said Larry Irving, NRH police spokesperson.
Investigators are now comparing those prints to persons of interest and running them through national databases.
"This is not something like you see on CSI and within three or four minutes, you come up with a match or no match," said Irving.
That's fine with Wilkinson's family.
"We were excited and a little shocked," said Mike Wilkinson, the victim's son. "I know they have a lot of work to do to find out who this fingerprint belongs to, but we are very very excited."
This will be the first Thanksgiving that the Wilkinson family will spend without Marianne. Even though the new development can't erase their pain, they say it does give them reason to hope.
"I was thankful. I knew they would. I was hopeful," said Terri Wilkinson, the victim's daughter-in-law. "I just wanted to especially thank the chief of police. He's allowed them to do anything they've asked for to further the investigation."
Police say they have not linked any fingerprints in this case to anyone yet. There is still a $25,000 reward in the case.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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