Plano, Texas, January 22, 2026
Nicholas Carney, 65, has been sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in Plano, Texas, in 1991. Advances in forensic technology enabled detectives to link Carney to the crime using DNA evidence, providing closure for the victim and the community. This case underscores the importance of innovation in solving cold cases and protecting vulnerable populations from predators.
FAQ
What was Nicholas Carney convicted of?
Nicholas Carney was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in Plano, Texas, in 1991.
How was Carney linked to the crime after so many years?
In 2023, DNA evidence from the 1991 case was analyzed using forensic investigative genetic genealogy, leading detectives to identify Carney as a suspect.
What other crimes was Carney associated with?
In 1980, while working as an ice cream truck driver in Oklahoma, Carney was convicted of exposing himself to a 6-year-old child and attempting to lure the child into his vehicle.
What was the outcome of the trial?
Carney was arrested, charged with multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and sentenced to life in prison following his conviction.
How does this case relate to other similar cases in Texas?
The case highlights the use of forensic advancements in solving cold cases, similar to other high-profile cases in Texas where individuals were convicted and sentenced for serious crimes.
Plano Man Receives Life Sentence for 1991 Kidnapping Case
Closure for Long-Standing Cold Case Highlights Forensic Advancements
Plano, Texas – A significant advancement in forensic technology has led to justice for a cold case dating back to 1991. Nicholas Carney, a 65-year-old man, has been sentenced to life in prison following his conviction for the kidnapping and sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl. This case, which remained unresolved for over three decades, showcases the importance of DNA technology in solving crimes and brings closure to a harrowing chapter for the victim and the community.
In a society that increasingly values the determination of law enforcement and the role of technology in the justice system, the conclusion of this case serves as a reminder of the vital need for continued innovation and resources to address serious crimes. The conviction of Carney underlines the impact of diligent investigative efforts supported by advancements in forensic science, allowing communities to feel safer and more secured.
Details of the Crime
In August 1991, an 8-year-old girl was abducted from a community pool in Plano, Texas. The young victim was subjected to several hours of sexual assault before being released approximately 20 miles away from her home. Initially, the case went cold due to a lack of leads or suspects. The traumatic event left the community reeling and in search of answers.
Breakthrough in the Case
Fast forward to 2023, advancements in forensic investigative genetic genealogy marked a pivotal moment in the case. By analyzing DNA evidence collected from the crime scene, detectives identified Nicholas Carney as a suspect. At the time of the crime, Carney resided in the Dallas area and drove vehicles that matched descriptions provided by the victim. Furthermore, a comparison of Carney’s driver’s license photographs revealed a striking resemblance to composite sketches from the victim’s recollection.
Additional Findings
Investigators uncovered additional troubling information linking Carney to previous offenses. In 1980, while working as an ice cream truck driver in Oklahoma, Carney was convicted of exposing himself to a 6-year-old child and attempting to lure the child into his vehicle. DNA testing later confirmed that Carney’s DNA matched that of the perpetrator in the Plano case, as well as in a similar 1999 case in Dallas involving the abduction and sexual assault of a 9-year-old child.
Legal Proceedings
After an exhaustive investigation, Carney was arrested and charged with multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. During the trial, the Collin County jury ultimately convicted him, leading to his life imprisonment sentence. District Attorney Greg Willis emphasized the unwavering commitment to safeguarding children and removing dangerous predators from communities.
Background Context
This case exemplifies the advances in forensic technology that have been instrumental in bringing closure to cold cases. Forensic investigative genetic genealogy can identify individuals involved in serious crimes even years after the offenses occurred. Such technologies not only help in achieving justice but also serve to deter potential criminals by demonstrating that law enforcement is equipped to solve crimes with the aid of modern science.
Related Cases in Texas
Texas has seen several high-profile cases where individuals faced severe consequences for heinous crimes against children. In 2025, for instance, a Jacksonville man received seven life sentences for child sex trafficking violations. In 2024, a Waco jury convicted a truck driver of trafficking individuals and continuous sexual abuse of a child, resulting in a life sentence. These cases underscore the proactive efforts by law enforcement agencies across the state to combat serious crimes and protect vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The conviction and sentencing of Nicholas Carney serve as a crucial reminder of the effectiveness of forensic advancements in achieving justice for victims and the communities in which they reside. It also highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators of serious crimes are held accountable. As these technological innovations continue to develop, the Dallas community can take pride in the commitment to safety and justice.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crime Committed | Kidnapping and sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl in Plano, Texas, in 1991 |
| Conviction | Aggravated sexual assault of a child |
| Sentence | Life in prison |
| Forensic Breakthrough | Use of forensic investigative genetic genealogy to link Carney to the crime |
| Additional Findings | Carney’s prior conviction in 1980 for exposing himself to a 6-year-old child in Oklahoma |
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