Port Huron, MI – In a major breakthrough, Michigan State Police have solved the murder of 21-year-old Karen Umphrey, whose body was discovered in November 1980 in the State Game Area of Beards Hills, near Port Huron. After over four decades, advanced DNA analysis has led to the arrests of two individuals connected to the case.
Initially, the case went cold due to the lack of leads on the perpetrator. However, in 2022, forensic DNA evidence from the crime scene was submitted to Othram, a Texas-based laboratory specializing in Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. This effort yielded a comprehensive DNA profile of an unknown individual, leading to the identification of 70-year-old Douglas Laming of Fort Gratiot, Michigan, as a suspect. Laming was arrested on December 15, 2023, and charged with first-degree murder.
Continuing their use of cutting-edge technology, the Michigan State Police submitted additional DNA evidence in 2023 to Othram, resulting in the development of a second DNA profile. This profile, belonging to another unknown contributor to the crime, was investigated further with the help of forensic genetic genealogy. The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the St. Clair County Sheriff Department, led to the identification of 63-year-old Anthony Harris as the second suspect.
Harris was arrested on February 6, 2024, and arraigned the following day in Port Huron’s 72nd District Court on charges of open murder for his alleged involvement in Umphrey’s death. His bond was set at $2,000,000.
The resolution of this case underscores the significant impact of forensic DNA analysis and genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, providing closure to families and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.