Investigators found DNA evidence linking several items found at the crime scene of Joel Marino’s homicide to one male suspect, the Madison Police Department announced Monday.
Scientists at the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory discovered a match between DNA on a knife found at the murder scene and DNA on a cap and backpack found nearby, according to a police report. Detectives believe the male DNA matches Marino’s killer.
MPD public information officer Joel DeSpain said they were unable to find a match with any felons in the in state’s DNA database system.
Investigators think the suspect may live or spend time in the State Street area. Police believe the suspect purchased the backpack, which was later found near the crime scene, from a State Street business the afternoon of Jan. 25.
DeSpain said police determined Marino was at his home the morning of his death Jan. 28 through communication with Marino’s family and friends. Police believe the suspect entered Marino’s home and stabbed him sometime between 1 p.m. and 1:20 p.m.
Police describe the suspect as a white male in his 20s, 5’10” to 6’02” with a thin build and blonde or light brown hair. He was last seen wearing a tan jacket and a white knit cap.
