New DNA evidence may lead to killer

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) -- The family of a 1994 homicide victim from Moorhead is hopeful new DNA evidence recently found by a forensic specialist will lead to the woman's killer.

Clay County sheriff's investigators resubmitted evidence in the Renae Nelson case to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension earlier this year after the agency received a grant to hire a specialist to work on cold cases.

Tests using improved technology revealed DNA of unknown origin, including hair on the victim's clothing. The 22-year-old woman disappeared in October of 1994. Her body was found about six months later near the Red River, west of Comstock. Authorities believe she had been strangled.

Nelson's sister, Racheal Storms, tells The Forum her family hopes investigators will finally figure out who killed Renae and bring that person to justice.