A woman has been arrested in connection with her husband's murder more than three decades after the shooting, investigators announced Tuesday, crediting a breakthrough in DNA technology for helping crack the cold case.
The victim, Thomas Hartley, was found dead in the garage of his suburban home on November 14, 1987, with a single gunshot wound to the head. Detectives at the time identified his wife, Karen Hartley, as a person of interest but lacked sufficient evidence to make an arrest, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
Background
The case went cold for nearly 38 years, with detectives periodically revisiting the evidence as technology evolved. Thomas Hartley, 34 at the time of his death, was described by family friends as a devoted father and small business owner. His two children were ages 7 and 10 when their father was killed.
Investigators re-opened the case in 2023 after the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office partnered with a private forensic laboratory to re-examine biological evidence collected at the scene. The original investigation had yielded fingerprints and trace DNA, but technology in 1987 was unable to match them against any database.
The Investigation
Using advanced genetic genealogy techniques and updated DNA analysis, forensic scientists were able to develop a fuller DNA profile from evidence that had been stored in the county evidence warehouse. The new profile was run through federal and state databases, leading investigators to a familial match that ultimately pointed to Karen Hartley, now 71.
Hartley was taken into custody Tuesday morning at her residence without incident. She is charged with second-degree murder in connection with her husband's death. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and they are not ruling out the possibility of additional suspects.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Hartley was shot and killed in his garage on November 14, 1987
- His wife Karen Hartley was identified as a person of interest at the time but not charged
- New DNA technology allowed investigators to develop a fuller genetic profile in 2023
- Karen Hartley, now 71, was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder
- The case marks one of the latest cold cases solved using genetic genealogy
What's Next
Karen Hartley is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on Thursday, where she will be formally advised of the charges against her. Investigators say they continue to examine evidence and interview witnesses as part of the ongoing probe. The Hartley's children, now adults, have been notified of the arrest and are cooperating with investigators, according to the sheriff's office.