Police Confirm DNA Match: Suspect Named In Brianna Denison Murder Case

Updated: 9:28 PM Nov 27, 2008

Reno, NV

In a Wednesday morning press conference Reno police confirmed that they have arrested James Biela with the murder and kidnapping of Brianna Denison.

Posted: 11:14 AM Nov 27, 2008
Reporter: Pat Thomas & Stewart Campbell
Email Address: stewart.campbell@kolotv.com; patrick.thomas@kolotv.com

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RENO - In a Wednesday morning press conference Reno police confirmed that they have arrested James Biela with the murder and kidnapping of Brianna Denison.

Authorities detained and interviewed him Tuesday night.

He provided a DNA sample which police have confirmed made a direct match with DNA samples taken from the crime scene.

KOLO 8 News Now has confirmed that Biela was booked into the Washoe County Jail just before 9:00 pm Tuesday night on charges of murder, first-degree kidnapping, and sexual assault.

Biela was arrested at Stepping Stones Childrens' Center at 1230 Corporate Boulevard in Reno.

During the conference, police stated that Biela moved to Washington State in March, where he took on a job.

Biela, sold his Toyota extended pickup truck in Idaho while on his way to Washington State. Police have since recovered the truck.

Denison was taken from a house near the University of Nevada, Reno in January, and her body was found in south Reno in February.

DNA was found at the kidnap and murder scenes that police hadn't been able to link to anyone.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Chuck Location: Reno on Nov 27, 2008 at 02:17 PM

When this all began with press coverage of Brianna's disappearance and then the discovery of her body I was doubtful that we would ever see her murderer brought to to justice. I am very thankful, releaved and proud of everyone that had a part in the investigation and capture of the monster who ended this wonderful young ladies life. Outstanding job to Reno's finest. Thank you Reno Police department.

Posted by: Sharon Location: Spanish Springs on Nov 26, 2008 at 08:02 PM

Shannon, the Bible was not the point, I just used it to illustrate a point about human nature; we all have good and bad in us. History has taught us that even the most gentle person is capable of committing the most evil crimes. What this man did was indeed evil. What disturbs my own conscience is that I want to kill the man myself for what he did! Now I have visited inmates in prison, and I have seen them love and play with their families, and it is really difficult to reconcile that many of them have committed crimes as bad as James Biela did to Brianna. How can evil coexist with good within us? Within James Biela? How do the Dennisons heal? What are we supposed to say to the four year old son of Mr. Biela? Things aren't so black and white, and while now it is totally appropriate that I and others feel rage, then what? No, wishing him dead or actually having the death penalty carried out will not bring any of us peace. I don't have an answer, and for my own heart & mind I wish I did.

Posted by: Crystal Location: Steffner on Nov 26, 2008 at 07:50 PM

I hope that Briannas family can be at peace once and for all. It's always hard to loose someone...it's even harder to loose someone and not know.

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