On the morning of Jan. 20, 2008, college sophomore Brianna Denison, 19, was abducted from a friend's house near the University of Nevada's Reno campus. According to police, the teen had been sleeping in the living room at the time of the incident.

Roughly one month later, on Feb. 15, 2008, Brianna's body was found near an industrial complex south of Reno. An autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and strangled. Evidence found at the scene -- two pair of intertwined women's panties – led police to suspect that they were dealing with a cold and calculating killer, who enjoyed taunting the authorities. The panties ultimately revealed DNA from an unknown man and woman, suggesting the killer could have taken them from another victim who was unknown to police.

The case continued until Nov. 26, 2008, when police received a tip that led them to James Michael Biela, 27, a resident of Sparks, Nev. Police say that DNA obtained from Biela links him to Brianna's murder, as well as at least two other sexually motivated attacks that occurred near the Reno campus between October and December 2007.

As a result of the DNA tests, Biela was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, murder and sexual assault. He has been incarcerated at the Washoe County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.

James Michael Biela is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Investigation Discovery : The Brianna Denison Case