Summary
On the morning of April 13, 1981, 23-year-old Yolanda Herrera was found deceased in a field near East Aviation Drive in Universal City, Texas. Universal City is located northwest of San Antonio. Two children walking to school discovered Herrera several feet off the roadway in an area that was not easily visible to passing drivers. Law enforcement was notified and responded to the scene, where they began collecting evidence and investigating. Investigators determined that Herrera had been beaten, and evidence of sexual assault was also found.
Investigators collected forensic evidence from the scene and worked to identify the person responsible for Herrera's death. Despite investigators' tireless efforts, the case remained unsolved for more than four decades.
In 2025, the Texas Rangers, working with the Universal City Police Department, submitted evidence to Othram's laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas. Despite there being a very limited amount of DNA available for testing, Othram scientists successfully developed a SNP profile using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing®. Othram's forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile in a genetic genealogy search to develop new investigative leads that were returned to law enforcement.
Using this new information, a follow-up investigation was conducted, leading investigators to Kelly Lee Brower. Investigators located Brower in Arizona. A reference DNA sample was collected from Brower and compared to the original crime scene evidence. Investigators have now identified Browe, who lived in Universal City at the time of Herrera's assault and murder, as the suspect in Yolanda Herrera's assault and murder.
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Kelly Lee Brower was arrested for the 1981 murder of Yolanda Herrera in Cottonwood, Arizona. He is expected to be returned to Bexar County, Texas where he will face charges.
This is the 31st publicly announced case in the State of Texas where investigators have used Othram's technology to identify an individual. Learn about other cases by visiting Othram's website.
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.