Rosie Tapia was kidnapped from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah before she was sexually assaulted and murdered in 1995.
FRESH HOPE
The Sweetheart Barbie doll was put on her grave shortly after her death and the DNA on the doll will be tested in hopes of solving this cold murder case 20 years on.
Rosie’s mum Lewine initially thought the doll was part of the other items well-wishers left for Rosie, however police now believe it could have a deeper meaning.
Utah Cold Case Coalition detectives’ enquiries include two possible persons of interest known to have a fixation with the Mattel dolls, reported Fox13.
West Jordan Police are planning on using a cutting-edge DNA extraction procedure to try and extract skin cells from the plastic doll.
I’m just happy that we’re getting a lot done on her case and people are willing to help.
Although the Barbie doll was manufactured in 1994, police believe the extracted DNA can point at who left it there.
Francine Barole explained: “In this buffer solution are the skin cells from those who have touched the evidence.”
Karra Potter, from the Utah Cold Case Coalition, has appealed for anyone who may have left the Barbie on the grave with good intentions to come forward before the DNA testing is performed, reported Metro.
If no one comes forward about the doll, suspicions about the doll being left there to taunt Rosie’s family will spark.
DNA tests on the plastic doll are set to begin within the next month.
Lewine Tapia says she is determined not to get her hopes up about the possible lead, but says she is grateful for the dedication of cold case cops.
She said: “I’m just happy that we’re getting a lot done on her case and people are willing to help.”
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