FORENSIC GENEALOGY

Forensic genealogy is a new form of locating criminal offenders using the DNA left at a crime scene. DNA that was obtained and stored properly from the crime scenes can now be tested. A DNA profile is then run through the FBI Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). If there are no matches to any suspects found there, it is then run through commercial DNA databases like GEDMatch and Family Tree DNA. Family matches are found and family trees are built to locate possible family members that match the profile of the suspect. This technology can help solve any crime where DNA was properly collected and stored.

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I am currently mentoring with the Association of Forensic Genealogy SIG board and the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG). I use my combined standard genealogy experience with crime scene DNA forensic data to help solve crime-cold cases and use investigative genetic genealogy to identify John and Jane Doe unidentified remains. 

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Investigative genetic genealogy, also known as forensic genetic genealogy, combines the use of crime scene DNA and SNP-based relative matching with genealogical research to predict where a suspect or unidentified person may fit in a family tree. Crime scene DNA samples are converted to SNP files by an independent lab and the SNP files are uploaded to two DNA databases—GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA. These two DNA databases offer users the ability to opt-in for law enforcement access, and law enforcement SNP files are only compared against users who have opted in.

 

Investigative genetic genealogists then build family trees using the match lists to determine how a suspect or unidentified person is related to their matches. Determining how different genetic networks or clusters of relatives connect can oftentimes narrow the search down to a small number of family members or to a specific person. These investigative leads are then given to the law enforcement agency, which must then confirm the leads with DNA STR testing by a government forensic lab.

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It is important to mention that law enforcement does not gain access to anyone’s DNA file, only a list of relative matches.

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If you want to see some excellent and exciting cases that have been solved using this technology. A few more famous cases are the murder of Sherri Rasmussen, the Boston Strangler, and the Golden State Killer. 

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Another benefit of Forensic Genealogy is exonerating innocent people in the prison system.  Rates of prior wrongful conviction in the dataset ranged from 2.8% of all crimes to 3.7% of all homicides. Rates of wrongful prosecutions ranged from 10.1% of all crimes to 16.5% of all rape-murders. To date, 375 people in the United States have been exonerated by DNA testing, including 21 who served time on death row. These people served an average of 14 years in prison before exoneration and release.

 

GENETIC GENEALOGY STANDARDS & ETHICS

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Due to the nature of DNA testing, there are standards that genealogist should follow to ensure that the client and their data is as safe as possible. 

 

1. Know what each DNA testing company offers

2. Have the consent of the DNA owner before testing

3. Testers have the right to their own DNA results and raw data

4. No companies guarantee storage will be sufficient for additional testing

5. Understand the terms of service and what the tester is agreeing to

6. Only test with reputable companies that respect and protect the privacies of their testers.

7. Once DNA results are public, they can be accessed without testers' permission

8. Only share results with the tester's permission

9. Living matches should only be shared with testers' permission

10. Genealogists understand that DNA tests may have medical implications and unexpected results.

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