Pennsylvania allocates millions to solve cold cases as Shane Workman investigation continues
Pennsylvania is investing millions to help police solve cold cases, including the ongoing investigation into the remains of Shane Workman, which were identified years after being discovered in the Susquehanna River.
DNA technology identifies remains years later
Workman’s remains, consisting of two femurs and a tibia, were found by a duck hunter near Ely Island in Conoy Township, Lancaster County, five years ago.
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Using forensic genetic genealogy and a DNA sample from Workman’s mother, investigators confirmed his identity. Workman had disappeared from Mifflin County in 2017.
Dr. Stephen Diamantoni from the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office explained that degraded DNA made testing difficult, but the team ultimately achieved a 99.99% match using a relative’s cheek swab.
“I’m proud of the dedication and commitment of individuals within our office who had the perseverance to work, to find out, you know, who that individual was. I mean, one of the responsibilities of the coroner’s office is to provide identification of, of remains. And, you know, thankfully with the technology as it is today, we’re able to do that much more frequently and with much greater accuracy than we would have been able to do decades ago,” Diamantoni said.
Questions remain about Workman’s death
However, the case remains unsolved, as authorities have not determined how Workman died. Lewistown police are pursuing leads based on Workman’s cell phone records and evidence collected during the recovery of his remains.
Pennsylvania invests in cold-case technology
State leaders are now focusing on providing resources to help solve cases like Workman’s. A portion of Pennsylvania’s $50 billion budget will fund the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) program, which aims to upgrade technology for analyzing evidence, including rapid DNA testing.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis introduced the program in Philadelphia, highlighting its importance for families awaiting justice.
“Statewide, violent crime is down 16 percent since we took office, but we can’t truly celebrate while so many families are still mourning, still grieving, still waiting for justice,” Davis said.
Funding offers hope to families awaiting answers
For one Pennsylvania mother whose son was killed in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood in 2016, the announcement offers hope after nearly a decade of waiting for answers.
“I’ve been on this path, I have not slept well in 10 years,” Julia Robbins said. “And this person probably walks, that’s just how I feel.”
Budget expands violence prevention and victim services
The state budget also includes $50 million for community anti-violence organizations and increased funding for victim services, including $4.5 million for the Victims Compensation Assistance Program, which supports victims and survivors of crime.