Cold Case Breakthrough: Students Crack 34-Year-Old Murder Mystery

A recent arrest in a decades-old murder case highlights the power of fresh eyes and determination. Janie Perkins, now 63, was taken into custody for the 1991 murder of Cynthia Gonzalez. This case had baffled investigators for 34 years, until a group of criminology students from the University of Texas at Arlington got involved. The students, part of a unique partnership with the Arlington Police Department, dug into cold cases that detectives couldn't prioritize due to their workload. They reviewed hundreds of files and found crucial connections between Gonzalez and Perkins. Both women had a romantic relationship with the same person, and Perkins had no alibi for the night Gonzalez disappeared. Perkins' behavior raised red flags. She failed two polygraph tests and even admitted to feeling happy about Gonzalez's death. Witnesses later came forward, saying Perkins had confessed to her involvement in the murder. Despite these leads, the case stalled until the students reignited the investigation. Police Chief Al Jones praised the students' efforts, calling the arrest a remarkable outcome. Gonzalez's daughter, Jessica Roberts, expressed gratitude for the students' dedication. This case shows how valuable it is to revisit old evidence with new perspectives. The same group of students is now working on two more cold cases, hoping to bring more justice to families waiting for answers.