DNA evidence leads to arrest in 2002 rape case – Columbia Missourian

COLUMBIA DNA evidence has led to an arrest in a 15-year rape case.

Jackie Lee Jennings of Columbia was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of rape in the first degree and burglary in the first degree in connection with a case that occurred on the night of April 29, 2002.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol lab report from March 27 had compared the DNA profile from the 2002 case to an offender DNA profile belonging to Jennings. Jennings also matched the description given by the victim.

On April 29, 2002, the victim said she was on her way home from T.P.s bar after leaving at approximately 12:30 a.m., when she was approached by a man offering her a ride or to follow her to make sure she got home safely.

The victim said she declined, and on arriving home, locked her door. She said she became ill and vomited, which was odd because she had only had two mixed drinks and was an experienced drinker.

After lying down in her bed for a moment, the victim looked up and saw the man, who attacked her and raped her, she said. She then passed out.

The DNA used by the highway patrol lab came from a fingerprint on an unscrewed light bulb, hair from the vacuum bag used after the victims room was vacuumed and semen left on the victims pants, which provided a DNA profile.

The victim has been contacted and informed of the developments.

Jennings was booked into the Boone County Jail. Bond has been set at $200,000.

Supervising editor is Mike Jenner.

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DNA evidence leads to arrest in 2002 rape case - Columbia Missourian