Summary
In March 1987, Ricky Herriage’s body was found beneath a bridge on County Road 1500 southeast of Dallas, Texas in rural Henderson County. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office responded and began collecting evidence and investigating. Deputies collected and stored Herriage's clothing from the scene along with other evidence. Despite an extensive investigation, the person responsible for killing Herriage could not be identified and the case went cold.
In 2019, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse re-opened the investigation into Ricky Herriage’s murder, which led to evidence being re-examined. Using clothing that was collected at the scene, a traditional STR DNA profile was developed and entered into CODIS, but there was no match to a known individual.
In 2022, the Henderson County Sheriff's Office submitted forensic evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas to determine if advanced DNA testing could help identify the suspect. Othram scientists successfully developed a comprehensive DNA profile for the suspect using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team then worked to produce new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted leading investigators to the positive identification of the suspect, who is now known to be Dallas Reynolds Casanova, who died in New Orleans in 2008. He lived in Henderson County at the time of Ricky Herriage’s murder.
This case would not have been solved without the relentless dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. “This case would not have been solved without the relentless dedication and collaboration of everyone involved,” said Sheriff Hillhouse. “We are thankful for the support we received from our partners and proud of the determination shown by our team. I’m extremely proud that this new evidence can provide some answers to the family."
This case is a reminder that every piece of preserved evidence has the potential to unlock long-awaited answers. If you would like to support efforts to solve more cases like this, consider contributing your DNA profile to the DNASolves database which aids law enforcement in identifying suspects and giving families the answers they deserve.
Funding for Othram's casework was provided by a grant from Season of Justice, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding DNA testing on unsolved cold case homicides.
The identification of Casanova represents the 24th case in the State of Texas where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram. Visit DNASolves to learn about other Texas cases where your support can help bring long-awaited answers to families.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.