DNA technology gives local mom first look at daughter's killer

Jacksonville, FL. — PODCAST: Project Cold Case: Vera Sullivan

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A 14-year-old cold case is on the verge of being solved thanks to new technology.

For Patty Lord, that means the world.

She spends most of her days inside the Project Cold Case office in downtown. It's there where she finds comfort working as a victim's advocate.

“I enjoy really helping the survivors because I know how they feel,” said Lord.

It’s not where she ever thought she’d be but that changed on July 1, 2004.

“That was a horrible day,” said Lord.

Her 28-year-old daughter, Carrie Singer, had been found dead. Her half-naked body was dumped in a field and her head was severely beaten.

“It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around someone who would do such a horrible crime,” said Lord.

It happened nearly 600 miles away from Jacksonville in Isle of Wight, Virginia where Singer had moved just six months before to be with her boyfriend.

“She was excited. She did start school. She was wanting to be a physical therapist,” said Lord.

Before she disappeared, Singer got into a fight with her boyfriend but he was ruled out as a suspect, leaving investigators to wonder who and why.

“I just want justice for Carrie. It’s been a long time,” said Lord.

But now, thanks to DNA phenotyping technology, the “who” is becoming more clear.

Investigators released a composite of the killer based on DNA found at the scene.

Scientists were able to come up with a profile of the man who killed Carrie. They say he's a Hispanic man.

“It’s wonderful. It’s just overwhelming to see a picture of someone that murdered my daughter,” said Lord.

Singer’s case is getting national attention thanks to being featured on the show “The Killing Fields."

Investigators are closer than ever to solving the case.

“Hoping someone will recognize him and come forward with information about him,” said Lord.

While seeing the face of the man who took her daughter is a major achievement, Lord is praying for the day she’ll get to see him in person.

“I want to sit down in front of that person and just ask, ‘Why? Why did you do this? Why did you have to this?’,” said Lord.

If you have any information that could help police find Singer’s killer call the Crimeline at 1-888-562-5887.

Cox Media Group