Jennifer Lin Murder Investigation

Developing StoryLast updated APR 22
SUMMARY

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.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

April 2026 3 developments

  1. The FBI and Alameda County Sheriff's Office are continuing their investigation into the 1994 murder of Jenny Lin.

    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.

  2. 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.

    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.

  3. 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.

    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

  1. 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.

    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

  1. 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.

    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

  1. The Jenny Lin Foundation will hold a memorial service on May 23, 2025, where Alameda County Sheriff …

    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

  1. Composer Dr.

    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

  1. The reward for information leading to the killer of Jennifer Lin has been doubled to $200,000.

    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

  1. 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.

    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

  1. A neighbor reported seeing a man with a blue duffel bag near the Lin's house around the time of the murder.

    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

  1. 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.

    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.

  2. 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.

    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

  1. The reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Jennifer's case was 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

  1. Sebastian Shaw died in prison without ever being charged in connection with Jennifer Lin's murder.

    Sebastian Shaw died in prison without ever being charged in connection with Jennifer Lin's murder.

May 2007 1 developments

  1. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office announced they would not be filing charges against 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

  1. Authorities publicly named Sebastian Shaw, a serial killer serving time in Oregon for other homicides, as a 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

  1. Jennifer's parents, John and Mei-Lian Lin, established the Jenny Lin Foundation to advocate for their daughter's case and help solve it.

    Jennifer's parents, John and Mei-Lian Lin, established the Jenny Lin Foundation to advocate for their daughter's case and help solve it.