Cigarette butt leads to 1980 murder suspect in Washington

In August 2023, Kenneth Duane Kundert, a 65-year-old man from Arkansas, was arrested for the 1980 murder of a young woman in Washington state. The breakthrough in the cold case came when DNA from a cigarette butt linked him to the crime. Kent Police Detective Tim Ford, who has been with the department for 28 years, had been dedicated to solving this case, carrying the case box with him throughout his career. He expressed his determination to resolve the case before his planned retirement in March 2024. The investigation began to gain momentum when advancements in DNA technology allowed for the creation of a male DNA profile from the victim's body. In March 2022, forensic genealogist Misty Gillis conducted genealogy comparisons, leading to a list of potential suspects. Despite testing several individuals, none matched the DNA profile until detectives focused on the Kundert brothers, Kenneth and Kurt. After excluding Kurt as a suspect, investigators surveilled Kenneth, observing him discard a cigarette butt in a Walmart parking lot. This crucial piece of evidence was collected and tested, confirming his DNA matched that of the profile obtained from the victim. The case, which had remained unsolved for over four decades, was finally brought to a resolution. The successful arrest highlights the importance of technological advancements in forensic science, which have enabled law enforcement to revisit cold cases and bring justice to victims and their families. Detective Ford's commitment to the case exemplifies the dedication of law enforcement professionals in solving long-standing mysteries.