Courts & justice
Former Colorado forensic scientist Yvonne 'Missy' Woods pleaded guilty to manipulating DNA lab data, sentenced to 10 years
Confidence: Corroborated · 3 sourcesColorado · Sep 21, 2026
Subject of this story
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Yvonne "Missy" Woods, Former DNA analyst, Colorado Bureau of Investigation
What happened
Yvonne 'Missy' Woods, a Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA analyst for 29 years, was found to have altered and deleted data entries in DNA lab reports rather than conducting required retesting, affecting over 1,000 cases including sexual assaults and homicides. She pleaded guilty in June 2026 to four felonies (attempting to influence a public servant, perjury, forgery, cybercrime) as around 100 other charges were dropped, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in September 2026. Her defense attorney stated she did not alter underlying DNA profiles, only report entries/quantities.
By the numbers (2)
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
Figures
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Authorities say revisiting Yvonne Woods's cases and retesting evidence cost the state about $11 million; the DNA scandal cast doubt on evidence in more than 1,000 criminal cases (Colorado Sun).$11M
1 source
- Colorado Sun
~1,000 cases affected, $11M investigation cost
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Yvonne Woods pleaded guilty to 4 felonies and received a 10-year sentence for manipulating DNA lab data.
1 source
- Colorado Sun
guilty plea to 4 felonies, 10-year sentence
Sources (3)
Colorado SunDetailed sentencing report: guilty plea to 4 felonies, 10-year sentence, ~1,000 cases affected, $11M investigation cost.
CBS NewsBroadcast-news confirmation of sentencing and guilty plea.
Denver7 (KMGH)Local broadcast-news outlet independently confirming sentencing details.
Response
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Statement given
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
Yvonne "Missy" Woods
Not yet contacted
Not yet contacted for this story.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.