Megan Drumhiller: Michigan family demands DNA test, offers $100K for info 2 years after daughter's death
MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES: After a three-week holiday visit with her family, Megan Drumhiller, a 31-year-old woman from Michigan, was discovered dead on January 28, 2022, upon her return home.
More than two years later, progress in her homicide case has been minimal, prompting her parents to announce a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, as per Fox News Digital.
The family is eagerly awaiting the processing of crucial items gathered from the crime scene in Drumhiller's Carrollton Township residence for potential DNA evidence.
Investigative fumbles and no results after 2 years
As reported by Fox News Digital, Lynette Drumhiller, Megan Drumhiller's mother, disclosed that Megan had been very transparent with them, granting access to various aspects of her life, including passwords, medical records, credit card statements, and phone records.
Despite this openness, Lynette expressed her initial belief that an arrest would occur within days, given the amount of information authorities had within 24 hours.
However, Megan's parents now fear that the suspected killer or killers might be freely moving within the community.
The case has faced multiple challenges.
Initially, the Carrollton Township Police Department and Michigan State Police, who took over the investigation, allegedly failed to interview all potential eyewitnesses and examine all available camera evidence immediately after Megan's discovery.
Furthermore, the lead detective, dealing with the impact of COVID-19, reportedly worked remotely for "four or five months" into the case, rarely visiting the crime scene in person, according to the family.
In a distressing turn of events, the police mistakenly informed the Drumhillers at one point that a second woman's DNA had been found at the crime scene.
Megan Drumhiller’s parents share concerns
Megan Drumhiller's father Tim Drumhiller mentioned a misdiagnosis in the investigation, recalling a distressing incident where authorities informed them of unknown female DNA at the crime scene, suggesting another woman's involvement.
The family received calls from detectives and others, causing shock. Later, a detective apologized, clarifying that the DNA belonged to Megan Drumhiller after all.
The Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office is currently leading the case.
The Michigan State Police (MSP) stated their involvement in assisting the Carrollton Township Police with the investigation, expressing confidence in the proper handling of evidence.
The Drumhillers are primarily concerned about discovering the truth behind their daughter's fate, but they also worry that other families dealing with homicide cases might face similar challenges.
Tim Drumhiller highlighted national issues, citing the FBI's reported homicide clearance rate below 50%, emphasizing the personal impact when experiencing such difficulties.
Meanwhile, Lynette Drumhiller described Megan as a lighthearted, quirky, intelligent woman who loved dancing and writing, worked in retail, and lived in a somewhat rural area with many families.
The family encourages anyone with information about the case to contact the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office Hotline at 989-790-5423 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL.
