Detectives from the Odessa Police Department (OPD) have successfully solved a cold case that had remained unsolved for over eight years. The breakthrough came when investigators utilized new tools to comb through old case files, leading to the arrest of Javier Castillo-Arias on September 13th.
According to CBS7, the case was cracked by the OPD's Cold Case Division while investigating the murder of Father Patrick Ryan, a 49-year-old priest who was killed at the old Sage and Sand Motel in Odessa back in 1983. Detectives detected several inconsistencies in the case and employed a system called CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) to match DNA found at the crime scene with that of a different criminal, Javier Castillo-Arias. This breakthrough not only solved the cold case but also allowed the closure of a sexual assault case that had remained open since 2015.
The Odessa Police Department established its Cold Case Division less than five years ago. This specialized unit's primary objective is to review old cold case files, including unsolved cases or those with unresolved questions. In addition to examining case documents, the team also reaches out to surviving witnesses and victims for follow-ups and conducts thorough reviews of the evidence.
CODIS, a computer system utilized by the FBI and various police forces, played a crucial role in solving this cold case. The system allows law enforcement agencies to match DNA samples with profiles stored within the system. Each convicted offender and arrestee has their DNA profile in CODIS, enabling investigators to easily identify matches with current offenders. Participating in CODIS requires states to meet specific eligibility requirements, including approval from accrediting agencies.
The successful resolution of this cold case highlights the importance of utilizing advanced investigative tools and dedicated teams to unravel unsolved mysteries. The Odessa Police Department's Cold Case Division has once again demonstrated their commitment to justice and bringing closure to victims and their families.