A decades-old Arlington murder case has been solved thanks to advances in DNA technology and the persistence of detectives who never gave up.

Nearly 40 years after 26-year-old Terri McAdams was found beaten to death in her Arlington apartment, police identified her killer in 2024 through investigative genetic genealogy — a breakthrough featured during Mayor Jim Ross’ 2025 State of the City address.

McAdams was discovered Feb. 14, 1985. Despite an extensive investigation, the case went cold for decades. In 2021, new DNA testing produced a suspect profile but no match in national databases. Two years later, Arlington Police partnered with the FBI Dallas Field Office to apply genetic genealogy, which led investigators to Bernard Sharp — who died by suicide months after committing a double murder in a separate case in 1985. A DNA sample from one of Sharp’s relatives later confirmed the match.

The case was featured in a City of Arlington Office of Communication video highlighting how innovative technology and collaboration continue to help Arlington Police bring long-awaited answers to families.

“Terri’s family never gave up hope, and our detectives never wavered,” Arlington Police Chief Al Jones said. “After nearly four decades, we can finally provide closure.”