As investigators began piecing together the events of that fateful night, they stumbled upon an unusual piece of evidence: bloody bare footprints<\/strong> marked the crime scene. Bart Epstein, a retired forensic scientist who later spoke about the case, remarked, \u201cYou don\u2019t see this at crime scenes in general, bare feet that have stepped in blood.\u201d This piece of evidence would be pivotal in uncovering the identity of Childs\u2019 killer.<\/p>\n The bloody footprints<\/strong> were crucial in establishing the timeline of events. Since Jeanie Childs was wearing socks at the time of her death, it was clear that the footprints did not belong to her but to her assailant<\/strong>. Investigators meticulously documented and photographed the prints, recognizing their potential value not only in identifying the murderer but also in eliminating suspects.<\/p>\n Former FBI agent Chris Boeckers indicated that the footprints could help absolve individuals who were initially under suspicion, concluding that they could "show guilt" for the real perpetrator. To identify the killer, investigators compared the footprints against potential suspects, including Arthur Gray<\/strong>, a man who had been living with Childs.<\/p>\n Gray’s involvement initially seemed plausible. Discoveries made at the crime scene revealed hairs on Childs’ left hand that matched his DNA. However, as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Gray had a strong alibi<\/strong>. He was reportedly in Milwaukee that weekend, a fact corroborated by others. Further forensic analysis of the footprints confirmed that they did not belong to him.<\/p>\n Despite the initial promise of leads, the case ultimately fell cold. As days turned into years and years into decades, Childs’ murder remained unsolved, leaving her family in anguish and investigators puzzled.<\/p>\n In 2015, the case saw a resurgence when forensic scientist Andrea Feia<\/strong> revisited the evidence, particularly the DNA<\/strong> samples collected from the crime scene. Her analysis uncovered an unknown DNA profile<\/strong> present on various items, including a comforter, towel, and washcloth.<\/p>\n Using cutting-edge techniques such as investigative genetic genealogy<\/strong>, authorities submitted this mysterious DNA to genealogy websites. In a twist of fate, a potential match was found, linking the sample to two brothers in Minnesota, one of whom was Jerry Westrom<\/strong>, a businessman and local hockey dad.<\/p>\n Determined to confirm that the DNA matched Westrom, investigators cleverly tracked his movements to a college hockey game in January 2019. By obtaining discarded items like a napkin and food container<\/strong>, they conducted further tests, only to find a match to the unknown DNA profile.<\/p>\n In February 2019, authorities arrested Westrom for the murder of Jeanie Childs. During his interrogation, he vehemently denied<\/strong> knowing her or being present in her apartment. Following this, investigators collected his footprints for further comparison, a crucial step given the complexity of the case.<\/p>\n As it turned out, other male DNA also lingered at the crime scene, complicating the situation. Mark Ulrick, a supervisor with the Minneapolis Police Forensic Division, became instrumental in confirming that the bloody footprints<\/strong> belonged to Westrom. Unlike most criminals who wear socks or shoes, the unique characteristics of friction ridge skin<\/strong> would play a deciding role in the case.<\/p>\n Given the stakes, Westrom\u2019s defense team brought in their own forensic scientist, Alicia McCarthy<\/strong>, to review Ulrick’s conclusions. The juxtaposition of their findings would eventually be presented in court, showcasing the evolving landscape of forensic science and its implications in criminal justice.<\/p>\n This case serves as a compelling example of how forensic science has evolved and the lengths to which detectives will go to bring a suspect<\/strong> to justice. The bloody footprints<\/strong>, once just another mark on the floor, became a cornerstone in a relentless pursuit of the truth. Such relentless investigation reflects not only on the case of Jeanie Childs but on the tenacity of those who refuse to let justice be delayed.<\/p>\n![\"Crime](\"https:\/\/assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2025\/05\/15\/748cc2f7-120b-401d-8861-7637c3a3283e\/thumbnail\/620x349\/6640b6ccccc3b397217a71355722d2ff\/childs-fiull.jpg?v=6df9366690ed146f169dd0670c453f91#\")
<\/p>\nThe Importance of Evidence<\/h2>\n
The Suspect’s Alibi<\/h2>\n
![\"Crime](\"https:\/\/assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2025\/05\/15\/922b09d2-edbb-4e22-a40d-9c18c12fb994\/thumbnail\/620x349\/1a5d16f29e0b9838d795b999315c0fc0\/childs-footprints.jpg?v=6df9366690ed146f169dd0670c453f91#\")
<\/p>\nA Breakthrough with Forensic Technology<\/h2>\n
Tracking Down a New Suspect<\/h2>\n
![\"Jerry](\"https:\/\/assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2025\/05\/15\/e0fd0f11-9a2e-4280-974d-10f9c1fc5157\/thumbnail\/620x349\/634c72008ff701c1afbf030ba8ba7914\/childs-westrom-booking.jpg?v=6df9366690ed146f169dd0670c453f91#\")
<\/p>\nArrest and Denial<\/h2>\n
A Clash of Forensic Opinions<\/h2>\n