DNA leads to conviction of Vernon burglar

DNA evidence gathered from blood at a crime scene led to a Vernon burglar’s conviction this week in the 46th District Court.
William Austin Young, 19, of Vernon, was sentenced to probation for a period of five years and ordered to complete a term of confinement in an intermediate sanction facility by Judge Dan Mike Bird.
On January 15, 2017, Vernon police responded to a burglary of a habitation at a residence in Vernon. The owner of the home reported that a television and laptop computer were missing.
Officers located blood on a windowsill where entry had been gained into the home and blood was found at other locations inside the home.
Officers obtained a search warrant for Young’s DNA after learning that he was a potential suspect.
DNA analysis determined that Young was the perpetrator. As part of his terms of probation, Young must complete a term of confinement in a work program operated by the Burnett Intermediate Sanction Facility of between six months and two years.
In addition, he must pay a fine of $1,000, complete 250 hours of community service, and pay restitution in the amount of $6,500.
Young was represented by Randall Walker of Wichita Falls. The case was prosecuted by 46th Judicial District Attorney Staley Heatly.