SOLVED - The Murder of Jennifer Persia [Ep 153]

SOLVED - The Murder of Jennifer Persia [Ep 153]

From Trace Evidence by Steven Pacheco

April 14, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the murder of sixteen-year-old Jennifer Persia and the recent identification of her killer through DNA evidence.

Sixteen year old Jennifer Persia had everything going for her. She played saxophone in the school band, was on the color guard and was becoming a breakout athlete. As a freshman, she was on the varsity track team and medaled in a competition against mostly seniors. Then one quiet, Monday night, someone stole away everything she hoped to be, shattered a family and rocked a small town. On April 4th, 1994, an unknown killer, or killers, entered Jennifer's home and brutally murdered the sixteen year old over a matter of just $200. UPDATE After more than 30 years, DNA has conclusively identified Jennifer's killer. Not only has her case been solved through the use of genetic genealogy, but it was also discovered that Jennifer was not the monster's only victim. Twenty-four year old Marebeth Welsh, murdered five months before Jennifer, has also been identified as the victim of thirty-nine year old Francis Schooley. Submit a Tip - https://camdencountypros.org/unit/49 Use promo code "Trace" to save 10% on your pass at CrimeCon.com FollowTEPod.com Follow Trace Evidence on Social Media Twitter --- Instagram --- TikTok --- YouTube --- Like Facebook Page --- Join Facebook Group --- Threads…

People in this episode

Host: Steven Pacheco

Topics covered

  • murder
  • true crime
  • genetic genealogy
  • unsolved cases
  • victim advocacy

Keywords

  • Jennifer Persia
  • murder
  • DNA
  • genetic genealogy
  • Francis Schooley
  • true crime
  • cold case

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