Scottsdale, Ariz. – The tragic 2015 killing of 31‑year‑old Allison Feldman was finally solved through the use of familial DNA, a forensic technique employed for the first time in Arizona history. Feldman, a medical‑sales professional originally from Minneapolis, was found dead in her home on February 18, 2015 after her boyfriend, Alex Stone, discovered her unresponsive body.
Investigation and DNA breakthrough
Initial police work focused on Stone, but his DNA did not match evidence at the scene. Investigators collected DNA samples from neighbors, friends and coworkers, yet none matched the unknown male profile found in the house. The case grew cold until a 2016 conversation with a former state senator sparked interest in familial DNA, which looks for close genetic matches among relatives already in law‑enforcement databases.
Arizona’s attorney general approved the technique, and investigators identified a close match to Mark Mitcham, who was incarcerated at the time for child sex offenses. Because Mitcham had three brothers, the search turned to his siblings. In 2018, police examined Ian Mitcham, whose DNA was on file after a DUI stop six weeks before Feldman’s death. Ian Mitcham’s DNA matched the crime‑scene sample, leading to his arrest and trial.
Trial and conviction
During the trial, Mitcham’s defense attempted to shift blame to former pharmacist James Katsilometes, a previous person of interest who had been cleared by DNA testing. Prosecutors rejected the argument, emphasizing the strength of the familial DNA match.
On April 9, 2026, a Maricopa County jury found Ian Mitcham guilty of first‑degree murder, sexual assault and burglary in connection with Feldman’s death. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the death‑penalty phase, and Mitcham received a ten‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for the sexual assault and second‑degree burglary charges. The county attorney’s office plans to retry the penalty phase, and Mitcham is appealing his conviction.
Family’s response
Feldman’s father, Harley Feldman, who had persistently worked with Scottsdale police for years, attended the trial daily. He passed away shortly after the verdict, but his family expressed gratitude for the closure. “This loss is not something we just move on from,” Feldman’s sister Kelly Weinblatt told ABC’s 20/20 correspondent. “It’s something we carry with us every day for the rest of our lives.”
Allison Feldman was remembered by friends and colleagues as a compassionate, community‑oriented individual who volunteered with Camp Courage, helping children who had suffered burns. Her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
