A man has been arrested in connection to the 1989 murder of a Washington woman, the Everett Police Department announced on Tuesday. 

Mary Ann Daniels, a 33-year-old disabled woman, was found murdered in her home on the 2100 block of Hoyt Avenue on Feb. 1, 1989. The EPD said she had been placed into the transitional living housing by her caseworker.

In the following years, the case went cold. However, in the decades since her murder, advancements in DNA technology were able to open new doors and played a crucial role in identifying the suspect.

Detectives said that Joseph Andrew Jacquez, a former resident of Everett, was identified through Forensic Genetic Genealogy from biological material left on Daniels' body. 

DNA from the murder weapon was also linked to Jacquez.

“I want to commend our police department and our partner agencies for their dedication to getting justice for victims like Mary Ann,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “My heart goes out to Mary Ann’s loved ones as they continue to grieve her loss.”

Everett Police Chief John DeRousse praised the efforts of the investigators, saying, "Our investigators diligently pursue justice for the victims of violent crime in our community. We are thankful for Detective Logothetti's perseverance in this investigation. Due to her hard work, this suspect will be held accountable nearly 36 years later."

The Everett Police Department worked with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to apprehend Jacquez. Mary Ann's family shared their feelings on the identification and remembered their sister.

Mary Ann Daniels, 33, was murdered in Everett, Wash. in 1989. Developments in genetic genealogy have led to the identification of a possible killer. ( Photo via Everett Police Dept.)

“I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that Detective Logothetti and others put into finding the person who murdered my sister," said Sandi Daniels Lundin.

"She faced unfortunate circumstances while living in a transitional rental house which her social worker placed her in. She should have protected her from this happening, but instead put her in danger, and in the end, Mary Ann lost her life. She had a hard life and is now at peace. Thanks to all that made this happen.” Daniels Lundin continued.

“Mary Ann was trusting, carefree and always believed the good in people. She has never been forgotten by her family," said Terry Lee Saline, Mary Ann's brother.

Jacquez has been charged with first-degree murder. He was booked into jail in Clark County, Nevada, and will be extradited to Snohomish County.