In February 1989, police responded to a homicide in the 2100 block of Hoyt Avenue in Everett, Washington. Upon their arrival, officials discovered the body of an adult female, who was identified as 33-year-old Mary Ann Daniels. Daniels was disabled and had been placed into a transitional living facility located on Hoyt Avenue.
At the time of Daniels' death, forensic DNA technology was in its infancy and despite efforts to identify a suspect, the person responsible could not be identified. Daniels' death was a mystery for 36 years. Over the years, investigators have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring justice to the person who murdered Daniels.
Everett Police Department Detective Susan Logothetti enlisted the assistance of multiple laboratories, including Othram, in hopes that advancements in modern DNA technology could help to finally solve the mystery of who murdered Mary Ann. In 2020, the Everett Police Department submitted some of the evidence from the 1989 crime scene to Othram.
Othram scientists successfully developed a DNA extract and used Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing to develop a DNA profile. Using this profile and others developed from other laboratories, Othram forensic genetic genealogist Deb Stone worked with law enforcement investigators to develop new leads in the case.
These new leads enabled law enforcement to launch a follow-up investigation, leading investigators to a potential suspect in Clark County, Nevada. In January 2025, 61-year-old Joseph Andrew Jacquez was arrested for the murder of Mary Ann Daniels after DNA collected from the actual instrument used in her death was identified as belonging to Jacquez. Joseph Andrew Jacquez was Daniels' neighbor at the time that she was murdered. Jacquez will be extradited to Snohomish County to face charges in Mary Ann’s death.
The identification of Mary Ann Daniels’ killer marks the 36th case in Washington where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram.
Republished courtesy of DNASolves