She Changed the DNA Evidence. Then 1,045 Cases Were Questioned

For nearly 30 years, Yvonne “Missy” Woods worked as a forensic DNA analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Police investigators trusted her work. Prosecutors relied on her laboratory results. DNA evidence she analyzed could help determine whether someone was connected to a crime. Then investigators discovered something deeply disturbing. Data associated with Woods' work had been altered, deleted and improperly documented. A review eventually identified 1,045 cases associated with problems in her work. But that number does not mean 1,045 convictions were proven to be wrong. The cases contained different types of issues, ranging from altered laboratory data and incomplete documentation to false or misleading statements in laboratory reports. The consequences, however, were real. Some criminal cases had to be reviewed. A murder conviction was vacated amid multiple concerns surrounding the case. Hundreds of sexual assault cases became part of the forensic review. Woods eventually pleaded guilty to four felony charges. On September 8, 2026, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. But three days later, another development made the story even bigger. Denver police announced that 13 previously closed sexual assault cases were being reopened after DNA evidence connected to Woods' work was retested. Eleven new DNA profiles were reportedly obtained. Six produced potential investigative leads through CODIS. And the investigation is still unfolding. This documentary examines how the scandal began, what investigators discovered, what happened to the cases connected to Woods' work, and why the consequences may continue for years. ⚠️ AI reenactment notice: Some scenes in this documentary are AI generated visual reenactments used to illustrate events and laboratory processes. They are not presented as authentic recordings of the events. This video is created for documentary, educational and commentary purposes using publicly reported information and published records. #TrueCrime #CrimeDocumentary #DNA #ForensicScience #CourtCase #CriminalJustice #YvonneWoods #MissyWoods #Colorado #TrueCrimeStories