Arraignment for Euclid man charged in connection with woman’s death 20+ years later

Arraignment for Euclid man charged in connection with woman’s death 20+ years later

Prosecutors say forensic genetic genealogy helped crack the case

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Euclid man accused of murder in connection with the 2004 death of a woman is set to face a judge on Tuesday morning.

Angelo Smith, 68, is accused of killing Naomi Fails, 40, back in March 2004, according to the indictment.

Court records show a Cuyahoga County grand jury secretly indicted him in July on murder charges.

19 News previously reported that Fails was found stabbed to death in the area of Somerset Avenue and East 105th Street.

The owner of an abandoned home discovered her body inside.

Now more than 20 years later, Cuyahoga County prosecutors told 19 News that forensic genetic genealogy helped link Smith to her killing.

“Forensic genetic genealogy was the key to solving this 22-year-old murder. Without these advances in science, this case would remain unsolved. Naomi’s family and loved ones will now have their day in court as they seek justice for her,” said Prosecutor Michael O’Malley.

Court records show Smith is charged with one count of aggravated murder and one count of murder.

He’s due in court Tuesday morning for arraignment.

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