Cold Case Murders Solved with DNA Technology
The Oklahoma City Police Department announced on December 5, 2024, the arrest of Charles O. Droke in the 1976 cold case murder of 68-year-old Lela Johnston, found raped and strangled in her Oklahoma City duplex. As of July 22, 2026, an arrest has been made in Pottawatomie County, with DNA advancements instrumental in identifying Droke, who forced entry into Johnston's residence. Investigators partnered with DNA Labs International in May 2023, utilizing a genealogy website for the first time to solve the case after initial 2004 DNA efforts yielded no matches. Johnston's granddaughter, Leslie Sullenger, expressed relief that the case was finally solved.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
July 2026 — 1 developments
Arrest Made in 1988 Pottawatomie County Cold Case Murder of Lela Johnson
An arrest has been made in the 1988 cold case murder of Lela Johnson in Pottawatomie County. Advancements in DNA technology were instrumental in identifying a suspect in the case, which involved Johnson's body being discovered in 1988.
December 2024 — 3 developments
Leslie Sullenger expresses relief after cold case solved by DNA Labs International
Lela Johnston's granddaughter, Leslie Sullenger, expressed relief that the case was finally solved. In 2023, police tried again, and DNA Labs International in Florida took on the case.
Charles O. Droke Forced Entry into Lela Johnston's Residence in Cold Case
It was revealed that Charles O. Droke, identified as the killer in the Lela Johnston cold case, had forced entry into her residence.
Oklahoma City Police Solve Cold Case Using Genealogy DNA for First Time
The Oklahoma City Police Department solved the Lela Johnston cold case using DNA from a genealogy website, marking the first time the department utilized this method. Investigators partnered with DNA Labs International in May 2023 after initial DNA efforts in 2004 yielded no matches.
May 1976 — 1 developments
Lela Johnston found raped and strangled in Oklahoma City duplex
Lela Johnston, 68, was found raped and strangled to death in her duplex in Oklahoma City by a neighbor. Detectives collected evidence at the scene, but leads did not pan out.