Yolanda McClary, a renowned forensic investigator and television personality, is best known for her role on Cold Justice. Born on August 20, 1963, she is 62 years old as of 2025. With a net worth estimated at $1.2 million, McClary has built a remarkable career in crime scene investigation and media. She has been married to Michael Kelly McClary since 1990, sharing a strong bond and two children. Her salary from her investigative work and TV appearances has significantly contributed to her wealth. This article explores her life, career, and recent updates.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Yolanda McClary’s Path
Born in Germany, Yolanda Anna Gonzalez moved to Nevada at age five due to her father’s U.S. Army service. Her father, a psychologist and military veteran, inspired her curiosity about human behavior, initially leading her toward psychology. However, her passion shifted to forensic science. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from the College of Southern Nevada and a Forensic Science Diploma from the American Institute of Applied Science. This educational foundation equipped her for a 26-year career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), where she investigated over 7,000 crime scenes, including murders, sexual assaults, and burglaries.
Her early exposure to diverse cultures, having lived in Germany and the U.S., gave her a unique perspective on human behavior, which she later applied to her investigative work. This cross-cultural insight helped her connect with victims and colleagues, enhancing her effectiveness as an investigator.
Career Highlights: From Crime Scenes to TV Stardom
Forensic Expertise and Cold Justice Fame
Yolanda McClary’s career spans over two decades with the LVMPD, where she worked in the crime lab for 16 years. Her meticulous approach to solving complex cases, such as homicides and sexual assaults, earned her the 2007 Unit Exemplary Service Award. Her expertise caught the attention of producer Dick Wolf, leading to her role on Cold Justice (2013–2018), a reality TV series on Oxygen (originally TNT). Alongside prosecutor Kelly Siegler, McClary helped solve over 40 cold cases, bringing justice to families nationwide.
Her work on Cold Justice not only showcased her investigative skills but also inspired the character Catherine Willows in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. McClary’s ability to analyze evidence with precision and empathy made her a standout, boosting her net worth and public recognition. She also appeared on Dateline NBC and produced shows like The Jane Doe Murders (2021) and The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes (2019).
Recent Career Ventures: Marketing and Media
In a surprising pivot, McClary joined Spaulding Decon in 2024 as a Marketing Executive in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, leveraging her public persona to promote crime scene cleanup services. This move reflects her adaptability, combining her forensic background with marketing expertise. Her LinkedIn profile highlights her skills in branding and revenue generation, showcasing a new chapter in her professional journey.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success
Yolanda McClary’s net worth is estimated at $1.2 million as of 2025, derived from her LVMPD tenure, TV appearances, and recent marketing role. While her salary as a crime scene investigator averaged $44,000–$56,000 annually, her television career significantly increased her earnings. Sources suggest she earned approximately $25,000–$50,000 per month for Cold Justice, with additional income from producing and guest appearances. Her financial growth reflects her ability to diversify income streams, a lesson for aspiring professionals in forensic and media fields.
Marriage and Family: Yolanda McClary’s Personal Life
A Lasting Marriage to Michael Kelly McClary
Yolanda McClary married Michael Kelly McClary on September 29, 1990, and their relationship remains strong after 35 years. Unlike Yolanda, Michael is not a public figure, and the couple values privacy. Their bond, built on mutual respect, has weathered the demands of her high-profile career. Yolanda often shares heartfelt social media posts, like one from 2018 praising Michael as her “hero” for his unwavering support.
Children and Grandchildren
The couple has two children: a daughter, Tiffany, born in 1983, and a son. Yolanda is also a proud grandmother to two grandsons and one granddaughter. On Mother’s Day 2018, she shared an Instagram post celebrating her grandchildren, calling them the “best part” of her life. Her family-oriented nature shines through her social media, where she balances professional updates with personal milestones, such as her daughter’s 31st birthday in 2015.
Dating Rumors and Privacy
There are no credible dating rumors involving Yolanda, as she remains happily married. Her focus on family and career leaves little room for speculation. Her private nature ensures minimal public insight into her personal life beyond what she chooses to share.
Recent Updates: What’s Yolanda McClary Doing in 2025?
As of July 2025, Yolanda continues her marketing role with Spaulding Decon while maintaining a presence in media. She has not returned to Cold Justice since its 2017 renewal but remains active on social media, with 11.9K Twitter followers (@YolandaMcClary) and 3.8K Instagram followers (@yolandamcclary). Her posts reflect her love for family, dogs (including her Maltese, Della), and football, particularly the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers.
In 2022, she appeared on an episode of JAIL (originally aired in 2007), highlighting her enduring influence in crime-related media. Her work with Paul Holes on The DNA of Murder continues to resonate, emphasizing advancements in forensic technology, such as DNA profiling, which she champions as a tool for justice.
Unique Insights: Yolanda’s Impact on Forensics and Media
Yolanda’s career offers a case study in resilience and reinvention. Her transition from a forensic investigator to a TV star and marketing executive demonstrates the power of adaptability. Unlike many reality TV personalities, her expertise is rooted in real-world experience, making her a credible voice in true crime. Her influence on CSI underscores her role in shaping public perceptions of forensic science, inspiring a generation of investigators.
Her work on Cold Justice also highlights the emotional toll of solving cold cases. In a 2015 interview, she shared, “Every case stays with you. You carry the victims’ stories, hoping to give closure to their families.” This empathy, combined with her technical skills, sets her apart in a field often dominated by sensationalism.
Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yolanda Anna Gonzalez McClary |
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1963 |
| Age (2025) | 62 years old |
| Birthplace | Germany |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Associate of Arts (College of Southern Nevada), Forensic Science Diploma (American Institute of Applied Science) |
| Profession | Forensic Investigator, TV Personality, Marketing Executive |
| Years Active | 1980s–Present |
| Notable Work | Cold Justice, The Jane Doe Murders, The DNA of Murder with Paul Holes |
| Net Worth | $1.2 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary (CSI) | $44,000–$56,000 annually (average) |
| Salary (TV) | $25,000–$50,000 per month (estimated for Cold Justice) |
| Spouse | Michael Kelly McClary (married September 29, 1990) |
| Children | Two (daughter Tiffany, son) |
| Grandchildren | Two grandsons, one granddaughter |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Hobbies | Designing dog clothes, football, Mexican food, iced tea |
| Social Media | Twitter: @YolandaMcClary, Instagram: @yolandamcclary |
| Awards | 2007 Unit Exemplary Service Award |
Conclusion: Yolanda McClary’s Legacy
Yolanda McClary’s journey from a forensic investigator to a television icon and marketing executive is a testament to her versatility and dedication. At 62, her net worth of $1.2 million reflects her hard-earned success, while her marriage to Michael Kelly McClary and family life showcase her personal strength. Her contributions to Cold Justice and forensic science continue to inspire, blending empathy with expertise. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram for updates, or explore her career on IMDb and Wikipedia.
