A former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic analyst has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after admitting to misconduct involving DNA evidence that affected hundreds of criminal cases across the state.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods pleaded guilty in June to four felony charges, including cybercrime, first-degree perjury, forgery and attempting to influence a public servant. The case raised serious concerns about the reliability of forensic evidence used in homicide, sexual assault, robbery and other investigations.
DNA Data Manipulation Triggered Major Case Reviews
Authorities said Woods altered or deleted laboratory information and failed to properly document testing procedures during her years working as a forensic analyst. Investigators alleged that some DNA samples were omitted from testing or that data was changed in ways that could make cases appear complete more quickly.
The investigation began in September 2023 after an intern discovered missing DNA information in a case Woods had worked on in 2018. A subsequent review uncovered additional irregularities, prompting authorities to examine a much larger number of cases.
Colorado officials ultimately identified more than 1,000 cases in which Woods had some level of involvement between 1994 and 2023, while prosecutors brought 102 criminal counts before the charges were consolidated through a plea agreement.
DNA Scandal Has Already Affected Criminal Convictions
The consequences of the misconduct have extended beyond Woods’ own prosecution. At least one murder conviction was overturned after questions were raised about DNA evidence connected to her work.
Michael Clark, whose murder conviction was challenged over the handling of DNA evidence, was released from prison in 2025. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek a new trial.
Other criminal cases have also faced scrutiny. In two homicide cases, defendants received reduced sentences through plea agreements after prosecutors expressed concerns that Woods’ involvement could undermine their ability to secure convictions at trial.
Authorities have continued reviewing additional cases in which her laboratory work may have played a role.
Earlier Warnings Raised Questions About Oversight
A Colorado Bureau of Investigation internal review found that concerns about Woods’ work had emerged years before the 2023 investigation. Questions were reportedly raised about her testing as early as 2014, while she was temporarily removed from DNA-related duties in 2018 following allegations involving data manipulation.
Woods ultimately left the bureau in 2023 after a career spanning decades.
During her sentencing hearing, Woods apologized and acknowledged the consequences of her actions, saying she had been entrusted with evidence that could significantly affect defendants, victims, families and the courts.
The scandal has also prompted changes within Colorado’s forensic system as officials work to review affected cases and restore confidence in DNA testing. State officials have estimated that the broader response to the misconduct could cost more than $11 million.
