"DNA Breakthrough Leads to Conviction in 1980 College Student Murder Case"

An Oregon man, Robert Plympton, has been found guilty of the 1980 murder of college student Barbara Mae Tucker after DNA genetic genealogy and a discarded piece of chewing gum linked him to the case. Despite the lack of evidence showing a prior connection between Plympton and Tucker, DNA analysis from the gum matched the DNA profile developed from Tucker's autopsy swabs. Plympton, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree murder charges. He awaits sentencing in June.