FDLE, MCSO Identifies Suspect in 1973 Key West Double Homicide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2026
KEY WEST, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office have identified David Allen Snyder as the suspect in the homicides of sisters Marguerite “Maggie” Jenkins, 18 and Mary Jenkins, 16 that took place in May 1973 in Key West. Snyder died in Oct. 2008.
In April 1973, the Jenkins sisters traveled to Key West from New Jersey for a vacation. They were last seen hitchhiking on Stock Island on May 2. On May 3, a resident discovered their bodies in a wooded area 100 yards away from US-1 Mile Marker 99.5 in Key Largo. The victims’ bodies were severely beaten and suffered apparent gunshot wounds. The investigation, at the time, could not yield any suspects.
In 2018, FDLE Forensics developed additional markers for a partial male DNA profile obtained from a blood stain found on one of the victim’s underwear and updated it in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), reaching the national level, but no matches were found.
In 2023, the FDLE Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Program accepted the case and worked with Othram, Inc. to develop a Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) DNA profile. This profile was submitted into Genetic Genealogy databases. FDLE’s in-house Genetic Genealogy Investigations team performed genealogy research and family tree-building, which led to the identification of David Snyder, as a possible suspect.
In 2026, a DNA sample was collected from Snyder’s relative, which was sent to the FDLE crime laboratory for analysis. The results confirmed that the suspect was Snyder. Further investigation linked Snyder to residing in several locations in Key West between 1972 and 1974. Investigators confirmed that Snyder died in Idaho in Oct. 2008.
“Whether a violent crime was committed two days ago or two decades ago, FDLE will use every resource and technology available to search for answers for the victims and their families,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Florida’s visitors should never worry about their safety when they travel to our great state. I commend our FDLE agents and the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy team for their dedication to bringing answers to the Jenkins family.”
“I want to thank the Detectives of our Major Crimes Division for their hard work alongside the FDLE in bringing closure to the family of these two victims,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “This case highlights the importance of our law enforcement partnership with the FDLE and our commitment to solving crimes no matter how long it may take.”
For Further Information Contact
FDLE Office of Public Information
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