BEAUMONT, Texas — Jury selection has commenced in the trial of Clayton Foreman, a 63-year-old man from Reynoldsburgh, Ohio, who stands accused of the murder of Beaumont teacher Mary Cathine Edwards three decades ago. The case remained unsolved for a significant period until new DNA evidence emerged, leading to Foreman’s arrest.
The murder of the beloved teacher had left authorities perplexed for a long time since her body was discovered in her home on January 14, 1995. Initial investigations determined that Edwards had been the victim of a homicide, prompting the collection of evidence at the crime scene, including DNA belonging to the suspect.
However, advancements in forensic technology over the years, along with the advent of databases like Gedmatch, provided a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough in the case. In 2021, a major development occurred when detectives entered the past DNA sample into a database containing 30 other voluntarily submitted DNA files. This yielded two significant DNA connections, one on the maternal side and the other on the paternal side.
By linking both matches, investigators were able to narrow down their focus to the child of the DNA union. The trail eventually led them to Clayton Foreman, who had attended the same high school as Mary Catharine Edwards. Additionally, it was discovered that Foreman had a prior conviction for an assault that bore unsettling similarities to Edwards’ case.
Building on this new revelation, authorities conducted a trash pull on April 15, 2021, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Cincinnati Field Office and Reynoldsburg Ohio Police Department. During the operation, a sample of Foreman’s DNA was collected, which proved to be an exact match to the DNA found at the crime scene in 1995.
As a result, Foreman was indicted in June 2021, specifically for capital murder. The upcoming trial is expected to last several weeks, with 73 witnesses scheduled to testify. Notably, all witnesses, except for one, Dr. Charles Harvey, who conducted Edwards’ autopsy, will appear in person. Due to a medical condition prohibiting travel, Dr. Harvey will testify via Zoom.
This momentous trial serves as an opportunity for closure for the Edwards family, who have long sought justice for their beloved teacher’s tragic death. The proceedings will also shed light on the advancements in forensic technology that have played a pivotal role in solving cold cases that previously seemed unsolvable.