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Cold Case: DNA Links Twins To Unsolved Murder

By Caroline Lowe, WCCO-TV

(WCCO) -- Police are trying to determine if Michael Jefferson or his identical twin committed murder in July 2002.

Minneapolis police thought they had a major break in an unsolved murder when a cold DNA "hit" in 2006 pointed to a man already in prison for rape.

When they interviewed Michael Jefferson in prison, he denied being involved in the killing of Gerald Penman in July 2002.

Jefferson also threw the investigators a curve when he informed them he had an identical twin. Police interviewed the twin who also claims he is innocent.

Because identical twins share the same DNA, prosecutors say they need other evidence to file charges.

They hope someone will give Minneapolis police a call at 612-692-8477.

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