Demarcus Coleman, 22, of Alabama, has been indicted on four counts of Aggravated Burglary after DNA left behind was scientifically confirmed as his. On 02/18/2014, Coleman pried open front doors to three apartments at Viera of Cool Springs, 300 N. Royal Oaks Boulevard. A woman was home during one of the burglaries; she screamed, causing Coleman, who had forced his way into her apartment, to flee. The fourth Franklin burglary linked to Coleman occurred on 02/03/2014 at Carrington Hills Apartments, 3750 Carothers Parkway.

The case against Coleman came together when DNA at a Franklin burglary matched DNA found by Huntsville Police at a burglary they were investigating. After developing Coleman as a suspect, Huntsville Police obtained his DNA. Coleman’s DNA matched evidence left behind at burglary scenes in both cities.

Emerging science used by crime scene investigators is creating a greater chance for police to identify otherwise unknown offenders. “In our mission to protect citizens from criminals like Coleman, we will continue to deploy every resource we have – our citizens deserve that,” said Deborah Faulkner, Chief of Police. “When good police work and science intersect, great things happen.”

Coleman is currently in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections, in Union Springs. Other suspects who were working with Coleman in the Franklin burglaries remain unidentified, for now.