Dallas Police Arrested Suspect in 1993 Cold Case
A 56-year-old man was taken into custody after DNA evidence linked him to a murder three decades ago.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Crime — General
Dallas police arrested Gary Len Ross on Friday for the 1993 murder of 55-year-old Tommie Davis. Davis was found dead inside her home on May 18, 1993, after being beaten and slashed.
Why it matters
The breakthrough in this cold case demonstrates how modern forensic technology can solve violent crimes decades after the event. The use of the Combined DNA Index System allowed investigators to finally identify a suspect who had been living under an alias.
Gary Len Ross was arrested on Friday and is currently charged with capital murder. Authorities confirmed the arrest was finalized after blood evidence from the 1993 scene matched a profile in the national database.
The players
Gary Len Ross
He is the 56-year-old suspect charged with capital murder in the death of Tommie Davis.
Tommie Davis
She was the 55-year-old victim who was murdered in her home in 1993.
The details
Tommie Davis was found murdered in the 1500 block of Haskell Avenue after sustaining fatal injuries from a wooden object and a knife. Police discovered that the suspect had been living under the alias Tommy Lynn Jones before his recent apprehension.
Timeline
May 18, 1993: Tommie Davis was found murdered in her home.
October 2, 2026: Gary Len Ross was arrested for the crime.
Legal Context
This arrest highlights the growing success of cold case units using the Combined DNA Index System to resolve decades-old violent crimes. The application of these forensics mirrors a national trend where legacy evidence is re-examined to address high-profile unsolved murders.
Residents in the area may see continued investigation activity as prosecutors move forward with the capital murder charge against Gary Len Ross. The case serves as a reminder that local authorities continue to monitor cold cases using updated forensic databases.
The takeaway
This case underscores the persistent nature of modern criminal investigations where digital evidence can bridge decades of time. It reinforces the importance of preserving forensic material at crime scenes, as future technological advancements may ultimately lead to justice.
Further reading
Learn more about local safety and law enforcement efforts in the Crime — General section.
