Cold Case Breakthrough: Students Crack 34-Year-Old Murder Mystery

A recent arrest in a 34-year-old murder case highlights the power of fresh eyes and determination.

The Case

• Victim: Cynthia Gonzalez
• Suspect: Janie Perkins (now 63)
• Year of Murder: 1991

The case had baffled investigators for decades until a group of criminology students from the University of Texas at Arlington got involved.

The Breakthrough

The students, part of a unique partnership with the Arlington Police Department, reviewed hundreds of files and found crucial connections:

• Both Gonzalez and Perkins had a romantic relationship with the same person.
• Perkins had no alibi for the night Gonzalez disappeared.
• Perkins failed two polygraph tests and admitted to feeling happy about Gonzalez's death.
• Witnesses later came forward, saying Perkins had confessed to her involvement.

The Impact

• Police Chief Al Jones praised the students' efforts, calling the arrest a remarkable outcome.
• Jessica Roberts, Gonzalez's daughter, expressed gratitude for the students' dedication.

The Future

The same group of students is now working on two more cold cases, hoping to bring more justice to families waiting for answers.