Judge Approves Exhumation in Santa Fe Rape Case DNA Comparison
A judge in Santa Fe has approved the exhumation of serial rapist Michael Magirl's body from Santa Fe National Cemetery to compare his DNA with evidence from a 2002 rape case.
Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, October 21, 2026 —
A judge in Santa Fe has approved the exhumation of Michael Magirl’s body from Santa Fe National Cemetery so his DNA can be compared with evidence from a 2002 rape case. The trend summary identifies Magirl as a serial rapist but provides no further details about the case or the evidence.
The approval allows the exhumation for the stated purpose of making that comparison. The summary does not say when the exhumation will take place, who requested it, or whether investigators have already collected or tested any samples. It also does not identify the judge or provide the name of the court.
Details about the 2002 case are not provided. The summary does not state where the alleged rape occurred, who reported it, what evidence was preserved, or whether the case remains under investigation. It does not describe any suspected connection between Magirl and the case beyond the planned DNA comparison.
The outcome of the comparison is not known from the information provided. No results, findings, charges, or additional court decisions are reported. The summary also does not indicate whether the exhumation has been scheduled or what procedures may be involved.
The approval concerns an effort to compare DNA associated with Magirl with evidence from the earlier case. Until further information is available, the specific status of the investigation and the significance of any potential comparison remain unreported. The judge’s written decision, the parties involved and any response from law enforcement or prosecutors were not included in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Mesha Begay on www.kob.com, see more information here.
