Jennifer Lin Murder Investigation
The FBI and Alameda County Sheriff's Office are continuing their investigation into the 1994 murder of Jennifer Lin, a 14-year-old girl, in Castro Valley, California, as of April 22, 2026. As of April 22, 2026: A 3D model of Lin's residence has been created, and a DNA profile developed from evidence has been uploaded to national databases, though no match has been found. Authorities are also investigating a man who approached Lin's father shortly before her murder, releasing a sketch of the individual. A $200,000 reward remains for information leading to an arrest and conviction, with the case considered a top priority for the Cold Case Unit.
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April 2026 — 3 developments
FBI Creates 3D Model of Jenny Lin's Residence in 1994 Murder Investigation
The FBI and Alameda County Sheriff's Office are continuing their investigation into the 1994 murder of Jenny Lin. As part of their efforts, investigators have created a 3D model of Lin's residence to aid in the case. A DNA profile has been developed from evidence, but no match has been found.
Jenny Lin Foundation announces DNA profile developed in 1994 Jennifer Lin murder case
The Jenny Lin Foundation reports that a DNA profile has been developed from evidence in Jennifer Lin's 1994 murder case and uploaded to national databases. While this has not yet yielded a hit, authorities consider the case a top priority for their Cold Case Unit.
Alameda County Sheriff's Office and FBI investigate man who approached Jennifer Lin's father before her 1994 murder
The Alameda County Sheriff's Office and FBI are investigating a man who approached Jennifer Lin's father shortly before her 1994 murder, releasing a sketch of the individual. A $200,000 reward remains for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
January 2026 — 1 developments
FBI and Alameda County Sheriff Seek Public Help in Jennifer Lin Murder Case
The FBI and Alameda County Sheriff's Office are now actively seeking information from the public regarding Jennifer Lin's unsolved murder, including through a dedicated FBI webpage.
July 2025 — 1 developments
Jenny Lin's father, John Lin, advocates for justice 31 years after her murder
The 31st anniversary of Jenny Lin's murder was marked with an annual tribute concert, and detectives are now hoping new technology will aid in finding her killer. Her father, John Lin, continues to advocate for justice.
May 2025 — 1 developments
Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez to update Jennifer Lin murder investigation at memorial
The Jenny Lin Foundation will hold a memorial service on May 23, 2025, where Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez is expected to provide an update on the investigation into Jennifer Lin's murder.
July 2024 — 1 developments
Composer Jack Stamp creates two musical pieces to commemorate 30th anniversary of Jenny Lin's murder
Composer Dr. Jack Stamp created two musical pieces, 'Fast Falls the Eventide' and 'CeLINbration,' to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Jenny Lin's murder. These pieces are scheduled to premiere at a community concert on July 13, 2024.
June 2024 — 1 developments
Investigators double reward, use new DNA tech in Jennifer Lin cold case
The reward for information leading to the killer of Jennifer Lin has been doubled to $200,000. Additionally, investigators are now utilizing new DNA technology to reexamine evidence, which has allowed for the extraction of new cells and the discovery of potential new leads in the 30-year-old cold case.
May 2024 — 1 developments
FBI, Alameda County Sheriff Seek Tips in 1994 Jennifer Lin Murder Case
The FBI and Alameda County Sheriff's Office are actively seeking public information to solve the 1994 murder of Jennifer Lin, with a dedicated FBI webpage now available for tips. A suspect, Bart Guy, was identified in 2006 but never charged and died in prison in 2021. The Jenny Lin Foundation continues to offer a $200,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
August 2022 — 1 developments
Police dogs track man's scent from Lin's house through baseball field
A neighbor reported seeing a man with a blue duffel bag near the Lin's house around the time of the murder. Police dogs tracked a man's scent through the baseball field behind the house.
June 2022 — 2 developments
Alameda County Sheriff's Office uses new DNA technology to reexamine 1994 Jennifer Lin murder case
In 2022, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office announced the use of new DNA technology to reexamine evidence in the 1994 murder of Jennifer Lin. Investigators believe this technology could lead to a breakthrough, as it allows for the extraction of previously undetected DNA. Jennifer Lin, then 14, was found stabbed to death in her Castro Valley home.
Authorities rule out Sebastian Shaw as suspect in Jennifer's case using new DNA technology
Authorities announced they were utilizing new DNA technology in Jennifer's case, and revealed that Sebastian Shaw had been definitively ruled out as a suspect.
April 2022 — 1 developments
Reward in Jennifer's case doubled to $200,000
The reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Jennifer's case was doubled to $200,000.
October 2021 — 1 developments
Sebastian Shaw Dies in Prison Without Charges in Jennifer Lin Murder
Sebastian Shaw died in prison without ever being charged in connection with Jennifer Lin's murder.
May 2007 — 1 developments
Alameda County DA Declines to Charge Sebastian Shaw Due to Insufficient Evidence
The Alameda County District Attorney's Office announced they would not be filing charges against Sebastian Shaw due to insufficient evidence.
May 2006 — 1 developments
Authorities name serial killer Sebastian Shaw as prime suspect in Jennifer's murder
Authorities publicly named Sebastian Shaw, a serial killer serving time in Oregon for other homicides, as a prime suspect in Jennifer's murder.
May 1995 — 1 developments
Jennifer Lin's parents establish Jenny Lin Foundation to advocate for daughter's case
Jennifer's parents, John and Mei-Lian Lin, established the Jenny Lin Foundation to advocate for their daughter's case and help solve it.