WENATCHEE, Wash. — Wenatchee police have solved a 40-year-old cold case of the murder of a woman.
According to police, 35-year-old Carol Traicoff was found dead behind the Stanley Civic Center on May 14, 1986. It was determined she had been killed.
At the time, no suspects were identified but evidence was collected.
Then in 2023, a retired detective began looking into the case and submitted the DNA evidence to be tested with modern technology. In 2024, the DNA was sent to Othram, a company specializing in genetic genealogy testing.
Using the DNA results, the WSP Crime Lab identified the suspect as Henry Leland of Kamloops, British Columbia. Law enforcement then discovered Leland died in December of 2007.
Detectives found Leland’s only surviving relative, a sister living in Washington. She assisted with the investigation, and Leland’s identity was confirmed.
Detectives believe Leland killed Traicoff on or around May 14, 1986 and there is no evidence suggested another suspect. The case is now considered closed.
The Wenatchee Police Department is thanking WSP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Washington Attorney General’s Office for their assistance.
They also thank Traicoff’s family for never giving up in finding her killer.
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