Tulsa police are collecting DNA at the fair to solve missing persons cases

TULSA - The Tulsa Police Department deals with hundreds of missing persons cases every year, and are always looking for new leads.

This year, at TPD's booth at the Tulsa State Fair, they're trying something new: collecting DNA samples.

One of those many missing persons cases still open is Sheila Owen's daughter, Latrica Fipps.

"It's even hard to imagine it's been 10 years because it feels like yesterday," said Owens.

Latricia was 32 years old and left behind two adopted children.

Her mother believes she was murdered.

"Even thought I know, you can't help but have this little glimpse in the back of your mind, maybe she doesn't know who she is, maybe they have her, there's been cases where they have been held for years and years and years," said Owens.

Owens says that's why closure is so important, and why she's done everything she can, including sharing her DNA with investigators.

"It's really important to have your DNA in the national database because your loved one may not be here locally," said Owens.

Investigators will take four mouth swabs that will be sent to a national database in hopes of solving a case.

"There are examples of unidentified people who are in morgues and coroners and medical examiner's office across the country that were never identified, and those cases date back to the early 1900's," said Tulsa police detective Margaret Loveall.

Tulsa police will be at the fair until it closes but they will only be offering the DNA samples through Saturday.