A former Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) forensic scientist is the subject of an internal affairs and criminal investigation after discovering anomalies in her work as part of DNA testing in the lab. The anomalies were discovered while reviewing a sampling of cases as part of an internal process.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a 29-year veteran of CBI’s Forensic Services section is no longer an employee of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
CBI is currently conducting an Internal Affairs investigation in conjunction with experts from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Additionally, the CBI is working to identify an outside state investigative agency to conduct a criminal investigation.
As part of this comprehensive investigation, a meticulous review of Woods’ work is being conducted. Additionally, CBI Forensic Service is undertaking an exhaustive review of its testing procedures and processes to maintain confidence in its integrity as a forensic lab.
“These are extremely serious allegations, and I want to assure the public and our public safety partners that the CBI is committed to conducting a complete review of this matter to ensure the integrity of this critical function remains intact,” said Department of Public Safety Executive Director Stan Hilkey.
The CBI is in the process of notifying its public safety partners as it continues to review the cases potentially impacted.
The CBI Forensic Services section is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory committed to quality and transparency. The Forensic Services section is in contact with their accreditation body ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) about this investigation. The CBI Forensic Services section was first accredited in 2004 and moved to ISO 17025 accreditation in 2015. Forensic Services completed an onsite re-accreditation assessment in April 2023 and received re-accreditation.
Because this is an active investigation no further information can be provided at this time.
Statement courtesy of CBI