The use of public genealogy database has resulted in an indictment in New York for a Florida man in connections with his uncle’s murder.
Fox News reports that Rosario Prestigiacomo, 64 was found stabbed 16 times and beaten with a shovel before he died in his Queens home in 2009.
The case remained unsolved until February of this year when DNA on a fork discarded by his nephew, Anthony Scalici, led to his arrest.
On Thursday, the grand jury indicted and arraigned Scalici, 41, on a second-degree murder charge, Queens District Attorney Melidan Katz said in a release.
According to ABC 7, this will be the first homicide suspect identified and arrested in New York City using the public genealogy database.
“I formed a Cold Case Unit to bring closure to grieving families and seek justice on behalf of victims,” said District Attorney Melinda Katz.
“This case is an example of the perseverance and determination of the investigators on this, and every cold case, and highlights the successful partnership formed between my office and the NYPD Cold Case Squad. Defendants should not be able to evade justice no matter how much time has passed.”
If convicted, Scalici could face up to 25 years to life in prison. He is due back in court in July.
[Feature Photo: Facebook]
