The Breakthrough: DNA and Forensic Genealogy
In 2019, advancements in forensic technology reopened Nancy’s case. Preserved evidence from the crime scene, including blood samples, was reanalyzed using modern DNA extraction techniques. Investigators worked with genetic genealogists, uploading the suspect’s DNA profile to public ancestry databases.
The meticulous work by CeCe Moore led to an unexpected name: Tudor Chirila, a former attorney and law professor who had lived in Honolulu during the time of the murder. Chirila’s DNA was a match for the genetic material found at the scene, and he was arrested in Reno, Nevada, in 2022.
The Arrest and Justice
Chirila, then in his late 70s, denied involvement and attempted to evade justice by refusing to cooperate. He even tried to take his own life two days after detectives collected a DNA sample from him, but survived and was extradited to Honolulu to face charges. Ultimately, the DNA evidence proved irrefutable, the trial was set to start. However, he died awaiting trial in 2023.
For Nancy’s family, the arrest was a bittersweet moment. Her mother had passed away without knowing the identity of her killer, but her siblings expressed relief that the truth had finally come to light.
The Legacy of Nancy Anderson’s Case
Nancy Anderson’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and technology. Her case highlights the importance of preserving evidence and the transformative role of forensic genealogy in solving cold cases. It also underscores the lasting impact of such tragedies on families and communities.
For those who loved her, Nancy is remembered not for the way she died but for the vibrant life she lived—a life filled with dreams, music, and a thirst for adventure. Her case, though rooted in heartbreak, serves as a beacon of hope for families still searching for answers.
“If you have any information about cold cases in Honolulu, please contact the Honolulu Police Department’s Cold Case Unit.”
~Link to Jack Anderson’s Book, The Brittle Riddle: https://www.amazon.com/Brittle-Riddle-Jack-Anderson/dp/B0CTGXBBTM
~Find out more about DNA Justice: https://www.dnajustice.org/
~A facebook page dedicated to Nancy’s Story by her brother Jack Anderson: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570231847849
Resources
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People Magazine. (2024). 19-year-old Nancy Anderson was murdered in her Honolulu apartment in 1972. A DNA sleuth recently cracked the case. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://people.com
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People Magazine. (2024). How family got justice decades after outgoing 19-year-old was killed in her Hawaii apartment. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://people.com
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The Cinemaholic. (2024). Nancy Anderson murder: What happened to Tudor Chirila? Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://thecinemaholic.com
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CBS News. (2024). 50 years ago, Nancy Anderson was found dead in her Hawaii apartment. Now, a former deputy attorney general is accused of her murder. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.cbsnews.com
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Law & Crime. (2024). Former chief deputy attorney general and candidate for Nevada State Supreme Court charged in 1972 Hawaii cold case murder. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://lawandcrime.com
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Oxygen. (2024). Former deputy attorney general charged in 1972 murder of 19-year-old woman in Hawaii. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://www.oxygen.com
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The Independent. (2024). Nevada man arrested after son’s DNA links him to 50-year-old murder. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://www.independent.co.uk
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Mamamia. (2024). 19-year-old Nancy Anderson was murdered in her home. 50 years later, DNA evidence led to an arrest. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://www.mamamia.com.au
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Law & Crime. (2024). Man arrested after son’s DNA provides link to 50-year-old cold case murder in Hawaii. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://lawandcrime.com
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CBS News. (2024). Former deputy Nevada attorney general accused in woman’s 1972 murder fights extradition, calls arrest unconstitutional. Retrieved November 20–24, 2024, from https://www.cbsnews.com
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Honolulu Civil Beat. (2024). Man accused in 1972 Waikiki murder pleads not guilty; trial set for February. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://www.civilbeat.org
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KRNV News 4. (2024). Cold case cracked: Former Nevada deputy attorney general arrested for 1972 Hawaii murder. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://mynews4.com
