Man arrested in ‘one of most heinous, notorious cold cases’ more than 30 years after mother’s murder
James Lawhead was arrested in connection with the 1991 murder of Cindy Wanner, a case that had remained unsolved for over three decades. Forensic DNA analysis linked Lawhead to the crime scene, leading to his arrest in Auburn, California. Authorities hope this development will bring closure to Wanner's family and highlight the effectiveness of modern technology in solving cold cases.
- ▪Cindy Wanner disappeared from her sister's home in Granite Bay, California, on November 25, 1991.
- ▪Her body was found three weeks later, and she had died from strangulation.
- ▪James Lawhead, who had a history of sex crimes, was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to the murder.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Placer county sheriff, Wayne Woo, announces the arrest of James Lawhead on 27 April 2026, in Auburn, California. Photograph: Paul Kitagaki Jr/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenThe Placer county sheriff, Wayne Woo, announces the arrest of James Lawhead on 27 April 2026, in Auburn, California. Photograph: Paul Kitagaki Jr/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockCaliforniaMan arrested in ‘one of most heinous, notorious cold cases’ more than 30 years after mother’s murderJames Lawhead was arrested after forensic DNA analysis lead in decades-old killing of Cindy Wanner Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox Uwa Ede-OsifoTue 28 Apr 2026 17.35 EDTLast modified on Wed 29 Apr 2026 03.12 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA 64-year-old man was…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — US
