In the world of criminal investigation, where every piece of evidence counts, a remarkable tool has emerged in recent years that has transformed the way crimes are solved. Forensic genealogy, often hailed as the “genetic detective,” combines the power of DNA analysis with genealogy research to uncover crucial information about unidentified individuals, often playing a pivotal role in solving cold cases.
DNA: from the basics to It’s applicability in Forensic Science
What is Forensic Genealogy?
Forensic genealogy often referred to as investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), is a specialized branch of forensics that utilizes genetic information, such as DNA profiles, in conjunction with traditional genealogical research to identify individuals, especially those whose identities remain unknown due to criminal activities or historical circumstances. It draws heavily from the age-old practice of genealogy, which involves tracing and documenting family histories and pedigrees.
It combines the principles of traditional genealogy research with advanced DNA analysis techniques to unravel complex mysteries that have eluded investigators for years. Essentially, forensic genealogists work like modern-day detectives, using DNA as a powerful investigative tool to piece together family trees, locate potential relatives of unidentified individuals, and ultimately lead law enforcement agencies to suspects or victims.
Early Beginnings:
The roots of forensic genealogy can be traced back to the early 20th century when genealogical techniques were first used in criminal investigations. These early efforts were, however, limited by the absence of advanced DNA analysis tools. Detectives and investigators relied on traditional genealogical research, including census records, birth certificates, and marriage records, to establish familial connections and identify suspects. While this approach had its limitations, it marked the inception of a new era in forensic investigations.
How To Solve A Crime With Genetic Genealogy?
One of the earliest recorded instances of using genealogy to solve a crime occurred in the early 20th century. In 1918, the notorious “Axeman of New Orleans” terrorized the city with a series of gruesome murders. The killer claimed to spare those homes where jazz music was played, and this led to the theory that the Axeman might be Italian-American, as many Italians were involved in the jazz scene. The police used genealogy to narrow down the list of suspects based on their Italian ancestry. While the Axeman was never definitively identified, this early example demonstrated the potential of using genealogy to assist criminal investigations.
DNA Revolution:
The true breakthrough in forensic genealogy came with the discovery of DNA profiling, a revolutionary technique that allowed for precise identification of individuals based on their unique genetic code. The pioneering work of scientists like Sir Alec Jeffreys in the 1980s paved the way for the use of DNA as a powerful forensic tool. Forensic genealogy, as we know it today, began to take shape in the early 2000s. It was propelled by advancements in DNA sequencing technology, which made it possible to analyze genetic data at a level of detail that was never before achievable. The groundwork for using DNA to trace family relationships was laid by genealogists and enthusiasts who saw its potential for identifying missing people and solving cold cases.
What Are DNA Ancestry Tests and How Many Types Of Ancestry DNA Tests Are There?
DNA Profiling:
DNA profiling, also known as DNA fingerprinting, is a technique used to determine the unique genetic profile of an individual. This profile is created by examining specific regions of an individual’s DNA, known as genetic markers or loci, that exhibit variation between individuals. The most commonly used genetic markers in DNA profiling are short tandem repeats (STRs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs):
STRs are regions of DNA where a short sequence of nucleotides is repeated multiple times. The number of repeats at each STR locus varies from person to person, creating a unique pattern. In forensic DNA profiling, specific STR loci are analyzed to create a genetic profile for an individual. This profile consists of the number of repeats at each analyzed locus, resulting in a set of numbers that uniquely identify that individual.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs):
SNPs are single-nucleotide variations in DNA sequences that occur at specific positions. While individual SNPs may not be as informative as STRs for personal identification, they are valuable for ancestry and population studies. SNPs can be used to trace genetic lineages and determine relationships between individuals.
DNA and Genealogy:
One of the most remarkable applications of DNA profiling is in the field of forensic genealogy. This innovative approach has breathed new life into cold cases and helped identify countless unknown individuals. In this article, we’ll explore how DNA profiling has revolutionized forensic genealogy and reshaped the landscape of criminal investigations.
Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map
Forensic genealogists harness the power of commercial genealogy databases, like GEDmatch and AncestryDNA, to compare DNA samples from crime scenes with the genetic data of individuals who have voluntarily shared their DNA for genealogical research. This approach can help build family trees and narrow down potential suspects or victims, Perhaps the most profound impact of DNA profiling in forensic genealogy is its ability to solve cold cases. These are cases that have gone unsolved for years, even decades. By analyzing DNA evidence from crime scenes and comparing it to DNA databases, law enforcement can potentially link suspects to crimes that occurred long ago. Families of victims, who had resigned themselves to never knowing the truth, are finally finding closure.
Real Life Cases solved through Forensic Genealogy:
Golden State Killer:
The Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist and the Original Night Stalker, was a notorious serial killer and rapist who terrorized California in the 1970s and 1980s. Over the course of a decade, he committed a series of violent crimes, including at least 12 murders, more than 50 sexual assaults, and numerous burglaries. Despite an extensive investigation, the identity of the Golden State Killer remained a mystery for over 40 years.
The breakthrough in the Golden State Killer case came in 2018, thanks to advancements in forensic genealogy and DNA profiling techniques. The turning point was the use of a public genealogy database called GEDmatch. Investigators uploaded the DNA profile of the unknown suspect, obtained from a decades-old crime scene, to GEDmatch in the hopes of finding genetic matches. GEDmatch allows individuals to voluntarily upload their DNA data, typically obtained from commercial DNA testing services like 23andMe or AncestryDNA, to explore their genetic ancestry and connect with relatives. While GEDmatch was originally designed for genealogical research, it quickly became a valuable tool for forensic genealogists. Upon uploading the Golden State Killer’s DNA profile to GEDmatch, investigators were able to identify distant relatives who shared significant portions of DNA with the suspect. By tracing these genetic connections and constructing extensive family trees, forensic genealogists narrowed down their search to a suspect named Joseph James DeAngelo.
DeAngelo, a former police officer, was arrested in April 2018 and subsequently charged with a string of murders and sexual assaults attributed to the Golden State Killer. His arrest marked a historic moment in the world of forensic genealogy, showcasing its potential to solve even the most challenging cold cases.
The Bear Brook Murders:
In New Hampshire, four unidentified bodies were discovered in barrels in 1985 and 2000. For years, their identities remained a mystery until forensic genealogy connected the victims to a woman and her daughter who had disappeared in the 1980s. This revelation allowed investigators to piece together a chilling story of murder and mystery.
The Identification of Lyle Stevik:
Lyle Stevik, a pseudonym for an unidentified suicide victim, baffled investigators for years. Using forensic genealogy, his identity was finally established as a young man from Idaho. Although the circumstances of his death remained tragic, his family could find closure and answers.
Forensic Genealogy in Action:
Solving Cold Cases:
The success of forensic genealogy in the Golden State Killer case has inspired law enforcement agencies across the United States to revisit unsolved cases, particularly those involving violent crimes and unidentified individuals. Cold cases, which often lack leads and evidence, have seen renewed attention as forensic genealogists apply their expertise to identify suspects and victims.
Identifying Jhon and Jane Does:
By comparing the DNA of these unidentified individuals to genealogical databases, forensic genealogists can potentially locate living relatives who can help establish the person’s identity. This process provides closure to families who have been searching for missing loved ones for years.
Familial Relations:
DNA profiling can establish familial relationships between individuals, such as parent-child or sibling relationships. This information can be vital in cases involving missing persons, custody disputes, and inheritance claims.
Ethical and Legal Challenges:
As forensic genealogy becomes more prevalent in law enforcement, it faces ongoing legal and ethical challenges. Privacy concerns, informed consent, and the use of genetic data in investigations continue to be subjects of debate. Striking the right balance between solving crimes and respecting individuals’ privacy rights remains a complex issue.
Legal Challenges:
The admissibility of forensic genealogy evidence in courtrooms varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Courts are still grappling with how to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of genetic genealogy techniques, and the role of expert witnesses in presenting such evidence.
One challenge arises from the fact that forensic genealogy often relies on publicly available genealogy databases, where individuals voluntarily upload their DNA data. This raises questions about the voluntariness of providing evidence for a criminal investigation. Courts may need to determine whether individuals who upload their DNA data to these platforms reasonably expect that it could be used in such a manner.
Ethical Concerns:
One of the central ethical dilemmas in forensic genealogy revolves around the balance between justice and privacy. Privacy advocates argue that individuals who upload their DNA data to genealogy databases do so with the expectation of connecting with relatives and exploring their ancestry not with the understanding that their genetic information could be used in criminal investigations. Striking the right balance between these competing interests is a complex challenge for lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and society.
Informed consent is a fundamental principle in medical and scientific research. It ensures that individuals understand how their data will be used and have the option to make an informed decision about its use. In the context of genetic genealogy, obtaining informed consent from individuals whose DNA data may be used in investigations is an ethical imperative. The regulatory landscape for forensic genealogy is still evolving. Various countries and states have begun to enact legislation addressing the use of genetic data in law enforcement. These regulations often seek to strike a balance between solving crimes and protecting genetic privacy.
Conclusion:
The world of forensic genealogy is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that has transformed the landscape of criminal investigations and the resolution of cold cases. From its humble beginnings in traditional genealogy and the discovery of DNA profiling to the groundbreaking identification of the Golden State Killer, forensic genealogy has demonstrated its potential to bring justice, closure, and answers to individuals and families affected by unsolved crimes.
As forensic genealogy continues to advance, it faces a range of challenges, including ethical dilemmas related to privacy and informed consent, legal considerations surrounding evidence admissibility, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, it is a field with immense promise, not only in solving crimes but also in humanitarian efforts, historical research, and medical advancements.
References
- Forensic Genealogy: How DNA and Genetic Testing Are Used in Criminal Investigations. (2021, May 24). DNA Testing Choice. https://dnatestingchoice.com/en-us/news/forensic-genealogy-how-dna-and-genetic-testing-are-used-in-criminal-investigations
- Forensic Genealogy. (n.d.). National Institute of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-genealogy
- Forensic Genealogy: A Powerful New Tool for Solving Cold Cases. (2019, August 12). American University Online. https://programs.online.american.edu/msmgt/resources/forensic-genealogy-a-powerful-new-tool-for-solving-cold-cases
- Forensic Genealogy: Solving Cold Cases Through DNA and Genealogy Research. (2021, May 24). DNA Forensics.
- Forensic Genealogy: The Intersection of Genealogy and DNA in Criminal Investigations. (2021, May 24). Legacy Tree Genealogists.
- Forensic Genealogy: The New Frontier in Solving Cold Cases. (2021, May 24). DNA Legal.
- 7. Genealogy and DNA: A Forensic Match. (2021, May 24). The Legal Genealogist.
Authored By
Mr. Hashim Tufail wrote the Article. Hashim is a forensic graduate from KFUEIT, Rahim Yar Khan (University in Punjab, Pakistan). His field of interest is Forensic Genetics and Genomics. He is currently looking forward to a master’s degree.
