Florida Cold Case Solved 53 Years Later

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Florida Cold Case Solved 53 Years Later

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KEY WEST, Fla. – After 53 years, the cold case of two teenage sisters murdered in Key West in 1973 has been solved through the use of forensic genetic genealogy. Marguerite “Maggie” Jenkins, 18, and Mary Jenkins, 16, who were vacationing from New Jersey, were last seen hitchhiking on Stock Island on May 2, 1973. Their bodies were discovered the following day, May 3, in a wooded area in Key Largo, approximately 100 yards off U.S. 1. Both victims had been severely beaten and sustained apparent gunshot wounds.

The initial investigation in 1973 did not lead to any suspects, and the case remained unsolved for decades. A significant breakthrough occurred in 2018 when FDLE Forensics developed additional markers for a partial male DNA profile from a bloodstain found on one of the victim’s underwear. This profile was updated in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but no matches were found at that time.

In 2023, the FDLE Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Program took on the case, collaborating with Othram, Inc. to develop a more comprehensive DNA profile. This profile was then submitted to genetic genealogy databases, enabling FDLE’s in-house team to conduct genealogy research and build family trees. This extensive work ultimately pointed to David Allen Snyder as a potential suspect. In 2026, a DNA sample from one of Snyder’s relatives was collected and sent to the FDLE crime laboratory for analysis. The results confirmed that the DNA belonged to Snyder. Further investigation revealed that Snyder had resided in various locations in Key West between 1972 and 1974, placing him in the area when the murders occurred. Authorities confirmed that Snyder died in Idaho in October 2008 at the age of 57.

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