DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest in 28-Year-Old Murder Case

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 26, 2011 5:27PM

The ability link suspects to crimes via DNA evidence wasn't as extensive in 1983 as it is now. Otherwise, Anthony Kemp may have been charged sooner for the murder of CTA bus driver Hosey Reynolds. Kemp was arrested in charge with Reynolds' stabbing death almost as soon as he was released from serving a prison sentence on a drug conviction.

Authorities are crediting DNA testing with helping them solve the case. They saved a black leather glove from the crime scene and a bloody T-shirt from Reynolds’ car and, using a federal grant, were able to test the items via the Illinois State crime lab. A witness also came forth and said there was a "hit" in the DNA database tying Kemp to the crime. Chicago police officials requested, and were granted, the opportunity to give Kemp a buccal swab to confirm Kemp was the murderer.