DNA Breakthrough Identifies Suspect in 44-Year-Old NJ Murder

• Larry Burney has been identified as the suspect in William Jenkins' 1982 East Orange murder
• Investigators used DNA analysis and investigative genetic genealogy to identify him
• Burney died in 2005 while serving time at South Woods State Prison

Trenton, N.J. — A man who died in a New Jersey prison nearly 20 years ago has been identified as the suspect in a 1982 East Orange murder, thanks to DNA technology that wasn't available when the crime was committed.

Larry Burney, formerly of East Orange, was named as the suspect in the murder of William Jenkins by the New Jersey State Police Cold Case Unit and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

Burney died in 2005 while serving time at South Woods State Prison.

A 44-Year-Old Cold Case

According to the New Jersey State Police, on April 20th, 1982, East Orange Police responded to 244 Halsted Street and found Jenkins dead inside his apartment, lying face down next to his bed, hands and feet bound, with multiple stab wounds.

The case went cold despite extensive investigative efforts and stayed that way for more than four decades.

How DNA Helped Solve the Case

In 2024, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office reached out to the NJSP Cold Case Unit. Investigators submitted a key piece of evidence containing an unknown male DNA profile to Othram, Inc. for advanced genetic analysis.

By this past June, a collaborative effort between the Cold Case Unit and the FBI using Investigative Genetic Genealogy narrowed the unknown DNA contributor to one of three brothers with ties to Newark.

Further investigation identified Burney as the likely source of the DNA. A DNA reference sample then confirmed him as the source.

Jamie Squire, Getty Images

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact the NJSP Cold Case Unit at (833) 4NJ-COLD. Anonymous tips are welcome.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for WPUR Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com.