FBI Uses Genetic Genealogy to Solve 2024 White Powder Letters Case, Identifying William Earl Cade
The FBI's Dallas Field Office announced on November 13 that it has identified the individual responsible for mailing multiple white powder letters from the Dallas area in 2024. The investigation began in February 2024, when a sealed envelope leaking white powder was discovered. In total, seven white powder letters were mailed from the Dallas area. The letters contained white powder and violent threats and were addressed to high-level U.S. government officials and/or their family members. Testing determined the powder was not hazardous.
A handwriting assessment concluded the letters were likely sent by one person. The FBI said it exhausted all traditional investigative methods to identify the individual and then turned to Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). Through IGG, the FBI identified the perpetrator as William Earl Cade, who had died in April 2026. Investigators believe Cade acted alone and have not identified any additional suspects.
Since its use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy began in March 2018, the FBI has assisted in solving nearly 250 cases across 30 states. The FBI Dallas Field Office launched its IGG program in 2020 and has four dedicated teams working directly with local law enforcement partners to help solve cold cases.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于华盛顿的联邦调查局（FBI）总部胡佛大楼（ajay_suresh 摄，CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons；编辑部四级固定图库 fed-fbi-building，本案由 FBI Dallas 办公室查办，当事人无官方照片）。 / Photo: The FBI headquarters (J. Edgar Hoover Building) in Washington, photographed by ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons (GSM fixed asset library; this case was investigated by the FBI Dallas Field Office; no official photo of the individual is available).
