Forty-seven years to the day Naomi Sanders was found murdered inside her Oakwood Avenue apartment, Vallejo police announced they found her killer through DNA genealogy.
Robert Dale Edwards, who died of a drug overdose in 1993, was identified as the prime suspect in the 1973 cold case.
Sanders’ partially nude body was found on her bed. An autopsy determined that the 57-year-old had been raped and strangled.
Authorities were able to compose a DNA profile in 2014 after semen was found on the clothes Sanders was wearing at the time of her death. The profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) but there were no matches, police said.
Police eventually turned to DNA genealogy, and in April 2019 an analysis was completed, yielding two possible suspects.
“In 2019, detectives traveled to Louisiana to collect discarded DNA from one of these male leads and were able to eliminate him as being the suspect,” police said. “The investigation revealed that the second remaining lead was deceased and that his remains had been cremated.”
Detectives then contacted Edwards’ son and was able to collect his DNA.
“The question that had gone unanswered for over 46 years was now answered,” police added.
Authorities learned that Edwards’ father had previously worked with Sanders. Edwards’ criminal history included attempted murder, domestic violence, assault, DUI, and theft.
Sanders had no children and was one of ten siblings.
The family issued a statement thanking police for working to solve the case.
“The Kadinger Family is immensely grateful to the Vallejo Police Department and to everyone who worked this case for the past 46 years. As you can imagine, over that 46 years, many family members directly affected by the loss of Naomi have also passed, and, unfortunately, they cannot be afforded the truth as to what happened,” they said.
“Those of us who do remember the stories of Naomi’s life and untimely death can now feel closure thanks to the determination and teamwork of the Vallejo Police Department and partnering law enforcement agencies. May Naomi now rest in peace,” the family added.
