A new report from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) shows former forensic analyst Yvonne "Missy" Woods committed a slew of errors in her work including omitting facts and altering DNA tests during her 29 year career.
“Following the discovery of Woods’ actions in manipulating DNA analysis data in 2023, CBI is meticulously reviewing all of its testing protocols,” said CBI Director Chris Schaefer, in a statement. “Not only is Woods’ caseload being reviewed, but we are auditing the results of all current and previous DNA scientists to ensure the integrity of the Lab.”
Largely because of a need for public transparency, the agency released the full 94 page report into Woods behavior. The CBI also collaborated with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on the report.
While portions of the report are redacted for privacy reasons, the findings show Woods omitted material facts in official criminal justice records and tampered with DNA testing by altering or omitting some test results from the case file.
However, the report also clears Woods of several other areas of concern.
For example, Woods did not falsify DNA matches according to the report.
The questions into Woods' work began a decade ago when a coworker questioned some of her testing of evidence in a case and reported concerns to a Technical Leader in 2014.
However, investigators began to examine some discrepancies in Woods work in September 2023 when certain data was reported missing and she was placed on administrative leave the next month. Woods ultimately decided to retire in November 2023.
Outside of the scope of Woods actions, the reports highlight a need for a better review process as Woods tampering was not detected by CBI's existing review processes.
Ultimately, the review showed Woods deviated from standard testing protocols and cut corners, which put into question the validity of her work.
While this review focused largely on Woods recent work, the agency is in the process of conducting an extensive review of all her work dating back to 1994, as well as taking a look at all of the CBI scientist work in an effort to improve processes.
“While the focus of the IA addressed Woods’ misconduct, we acknowledge that it took too long to detect ongoing intentional manipulation of our Lab system,” said Schaefer. “We are in the process of identifying an external vendor to conduct an organizational review to ensure that our forensic services procedures and systems adhere to CBI’s high standards.”