A former forensic scientist with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Yvonne “Missy” Woods, has been found to have manipulated or omitted DNA test results in hundreds of cases during her nearly 30-year career at the agency. The internal affairs investigation into Woods revealed that her handling of DNA testing data affected 652 cases between 2008 and 2023, with incomplete results being posted in some instances. The CBI, in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, is also reviewing Woods' work from 1994 to 2008.

Woods, who was placed on administrative leave in October and retired in November, is currently the subject of a criminal investigation. The CBI emphasized that Woods did not falsify DNA matches or fabricate data, but rather omitted material facts in official criminal justice records and tampered with DNA testing results. The agency stated that Woods' manipulations were intentional and a breach of trust.

In response to the investigation's findings, CBI Director Chris Schaefer stated, "Public trust in our institutions is critical to the fulfillment of our mission." The agency is conducting a comprehensive audit of all DNA analysts to ensure the accuracy and completeness of its records. Additionally, a separate case involving a DNA analyst at the Weld County Sheriff's Office was discovered, leading to the analyst's termination and potential criminal charges.

Attorney Ryan Brackley, representing Woods, maintained that his client never created false DNA matches or testified falsely. However, a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of a wrongfully convicted individual, James Hunter, alleges that Woods' faulty analysis led to his conviction. The lawsuit claims that Woods' examination of hairs collected from a crime scene was used as evidence against Hunter, despite later findings that the hairs belonged to the victim.

The CBI is taking steps to rectify the situation and ensure the integrity of its testing processes moving forward. The agency has requested funding for an independent lab to retest DNA samples and for district attorneys to review potentially affected cases. The impact of Woods' actions on past cases remains uncertain, with prosecutors across the state awaiting further information to determine if any cases will need to be re-tried.