Summary

In 2023, an investigation was initiated after authorities received a report that a young child had been sexually assaulted in Paragould, Arkansas. Detectives immediately launched an investigation and collected forensic evidence as part of the case. Early in the investigation, forensic scientists were able to develop a traditional short tandem repeat (STR) profile from the crime scene evidence. The profile was submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the national law enforcement DNA database used to compare crime scene DNA against known offender profiles. However, the search did not produce a match to a known individual, leaving investigators without an identified suspect.

Despite the lack of a CODIS hit, investigators continued working the case and preserved the forensic evidence in hopes that future advances in technology could help identify the perpetrator. As the investigation progressed, detectives sought additional forensic analysis to try to generate new leads.

In 2025, Paragould Police Department sent several pieces of forensic evidence to be evaluated for advanced testing by Othram. Many of the items contained DNA mixtures that made typical analysis challenging. Othram scientists reviewed the evidence and advised investigators on which samples were most suitable for advanced DNA sequencing-based analysis. Those items were submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas later that year in May.

At the laboratory, Othram scientists applied Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to develop a comprehensive DNA profile for the unknown male contributor identified in the forensic evidence. The resulting DNA profile was then analyzed by Othram’s in-house forensic genetic genealogy team. The team conducted database searches and genealogical analysis that generated new investigative leads. These leads were provided to investigators with the Paragould Police Department.

Investigators used the genealogical information to narrow in on potential individuals connected to the DNA evidence. Follow-up investigative work ultimately led detectives to identify Steven Bearden as a suspect in the case. After identifying Bearden as a potential contributor to the DNA evidence, investigators obtained a reference DNA sample from him. When compared to the forensic evidence collected during the investigation, the DNA matched the unknown male profile developed from the original crime scene evidence.

Based on the DNA evidence and the results of the investigation, Steven Bearden was arrested and charged in connection with the sexual assault of the child. The arrest represents a major step forward in the case and demonstrates how modern forensic DNA technology can help investigators identify suspects even when initial investigative leads are lacking.

A majority of funding for Othram's casework cost was provided by a grant from Season of Justice. Season of Justice is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing funding for investigative agencies and families to help solve cold cases and bring resolution to those impacted by unsolved violent crimes.

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 data to the DNASolves database which aids law enforcement in identifying suspects and giving families the answers they deserve.

This is the 11th publicly announced case in the State of Arkansas where officials leveraged Othram’s identity inference pipeline. Explore other cases on Othram’s website.