DNA on Preserved Clothing Solves 1986 Dallas Murder

A Case Reopened After Four Decades

Nearly 40 years after Ruby Battee was found murdered in her Dallas home, a fragment of DNA preserved on her clothing has led investigators to a convicted murderer, police said. The Dallas Police Department announced that new evidence linked the 1986 killing to Marvin Lee Holloway, who now faces a capital murder charge. Battee was killed and sexually assaulted in her home on May 27, 1986, after Holloway allegedly forced his way inside.

Why the Case Went Cold

At the time of the killing, investigators recovered only a small amount of DNA and found little else that could identify a suspect aside from a limited sample on Battee’s clothing. “Unfortunately, due to the limitations of forensic testing in the 1980s, no concrete evidence could be extracted,” Dallas police said in a news release. “At least, that was the case until recently.” For decades, the case remained unsolved.

The Forensic Breakthrough

The turning point came through preserved evidence and modern testing. In January 2025, detectives submitted previously untested items - sexual-assault swabs and a pair of panties recovered at the scene - to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, according to police. On April 13, 2026, the center developed a partial male DNA profile and entered it into CODIS. On May 5, 2026, the system matched the profile to Holloway, who was already incarcerated for the 1988 murder of his co-worker Emily Proctor.

Detectives Confront the Suspect

After securing a warrant, Detective Andrea Isom collected a DNA sample from Holloway and, with Detective David Grubbs, traveled to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Beeville unit on May 13 to interview him, police said. Following the questioning and with the new DNA evidence, Isom secured a capital murder warrant. Holloway has remained in state custody since his earlier conviction. He has not been convicted in the Battee case, and the new charge represents an allegation to be tested in court.

A Statement on Persistence

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux praised the detectives’ work and emphasized that justice in cold cases remains possible. “They are meticulous, patient, and leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating cold cases - especially ones where hope seems lost,” Comeaux said in the release. He added that he hoped the result would serve as a reminder “to victims as well as criminals who believe they have gotten away with their crimes.” CBS News Texas said it would provide updates as the case proceeds.

References: CBS Texas - Clothing preserved for 40 years helps solve Dallas cold case of woman murdered in her home, police say