Lexington Police Used DNA to Probe 1963 Disappearance
Authorities investigated a cold case by comparing family DNA to an unidentified victim found in Ohio.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Lexington Police recently utilized modern DNA testing to investigate the 1963 disappearance of 23-year-old Barbara Lunsford. Investigators sought to determine if Lunsford, who vanished on October 12, 1963, was an unidentified traffic fatality victim from Ohio.
Why it matters
The investigation demonstrates how law enforcement agencies utilize inter-jurisdictional cooperation and advanced genetic technology to solve decades-old cold cases. By cross-referencing national databases, police aim to provide closure to families of missing persons.
Lexington Police have uploaded Barbara Lunsford's profile to CODIS and NamUs while maintaining an active unsolved case unit for the 63-year-old disappearance. DNA from relatives did not match the remains of the unidentified woman from the 1965 Ohio fatality.
The players
Lexington Police
The local agency in Kentucky responsible for maintaining the active cold case unit for the missing persons investigation.
Barbara Lunsford
A 23-year-old woman and mother of three who disappeared in 1963.
Avon Police Department
An Ohio law enforcement agency that coordinated with Kentucky authorities regarding a 1965 traffic fatality.
The details
Barbara Lunsford, who was 5-foot-4 and 115 pounds, disappeared at age 23 after suffering a medical emergency in September 1963. In February 2025, the Avon Police Department contacted Lexington investigators regarding a potential link to an unidentified victim who died in an Ohio traffic crash in 1965.
Timeline
September 24, 1963: Barbara Lunsford suffered a medical emergency.
October 12, 1963: Barbara Lunsford disappeared.
October 25, 1965: An unidentified woman died in a traffic fatality in Ohio.
October 2021: Lunsford's family contacted police regarding the case.
February 2025: Avon Police reached out to Lexington regarding a potential match.
Legal Context
This investigation follows the standard protocols set by the Combined DNA Index System to link cold cases to modern forensic data. It reflects a broader trend of leveraging national databases to resolve missing persons cases that have remained cold for decades.
The ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to resolve this cold case demonstrate a commitment to utilizing modern technology for long-standing community investigations. Residents with information about missing persons are encouraged to cooperate with agency outreach efforts.
The takeaway
Advancements in DNA technology continue to provide new opportunities for investigators to address cold cases that were previously considered unsolvable. Families seeking closure are encouraged to maintain contact with law enforcement and ensure relative DNA is available for national databases.
Further reading
For more information on local investigative efforts, visit Law Enforcement.
More information
To submit an anonymous tip, visit the Bluegrass Crime Stoppers anonymous tip submission.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wkyt.
