Advertorial
Forensic Genealogy:
New Technology to Solve More Cases
Andrew Singer, Bode Technology
Share this article
A new technological breakthrough is revolutionizing the way that DNA is used to drive investigations. Through advanced Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) testing and the use of publicly available DNA databases, scientists and genealogists are working together to link unknown DNA profiles to distant relatives to advance investigations in violent crimes and the identification of unidentified remains.
Forensic genealogy introduces a new way that DNA can be utilized to close cases.
Bode Technology, a leader in forensic DNA testing, launched the Bode Forensic Genealogy Service (Bode FGS) in early 2019 as a supplemental application to forensic DNA testing. Bode’s FGS program is a logical expansion of its service offerings and aligns with its mission to make a positive contribution to society, create a safer and more secure world and continue to support the law enforcement community.
Background
Since the DNA Identification Act of 1994, DNA has been a critical tool for law enforcement to drive investigations by identifying suspects and clearing the innocent. DNA has become the gold standard in forensic identification because of the quality standards by which crime laboratories abide and the power of identification that DNA provides. Advances in technology have allowed forensic analysts to develop DNA profiles from evidence containing just a few cells while new analytical tools can determine each contributor to a crime scene sample derived from multiple unknown contributors. These technological improvements continue to drive the importance of DNA in investigations.
Due to the visible impact of DNA testing, demand continues to increase. Legislation across the country mandating the tracking and testing of sexual assault kits is driving more cases to the laboratories. CODIS continues to grow rapidly. By the end of 2018, there were more than 915,000 unknown forensic profiles entered into CODIS, increasing at a rate of approximately 85,000 per year. With approximately a 50% hit rate in CODIS, testing cases more quickly will help solve cases and improve public safety. However, for the ~40,000 cases every year that do not result in a CODIS hit, forensic genealogy can help develop more investigative leads.
How FGS Works
Forensic genealogy relies on voluntary submissions of DNA profiles to publicly available databases. Currently, there are more than 26 million DNA profiles in ancestry related databases¹ which continue growing at an exponential rate. While not all of these profiles are available for searching by law enforcement, some of the databases, such as GEDMatch and Family Tree DNA, have allowed for law enforcement usage for violent crimes such as rape and homicide. These databases contain more than 1 million profiles and it is projected that a database of this size can identify about 60% of the individuals of European descent within a third-cousin or closer match². With the combination of CODIS and forensic genealogy, the ability for DNA evidence to assist law enforcement in solving crimes vastly improves.
In order to search databases such as GEDMatch, genotyping of SNPs from the unknown evidence must be conducted. Using standard chips such as the Global Screening Array genotyping array from Illumina, the resulting SNP profiles are compared to genotypes from individuals in the database. The amount and quality of overlapping DNA segments help determine the predictive relationship between two profiles out to several generations. From this initial genetic clue, genealogists then use available resources to develop family trees to determine close and distant relatives, and in some cases the identity of the actual individual. By implementing forensic genealogy, investigators have successfully identified suspects in many high-profile cold cases, including the Golden State Killer³.
FGS Best Practices
As forensic genealogy provides more investigative leads to law enforcement, and cases move towards adjudication, questions may be raised regarding the use of forensic genealogy. In order to preserve the integrity of the science and the justice process, it’s imperative that best practices be implemented during the forensic genealogy process. These best practices should mirror those currently used in traditional forensic DNA testing. The quality system must start with proper handling of evidence and avoiding evidence consumption. DNA testing should be performed utilizing accredited laboratory practices with robust quality systems in place to ensure the accuracy of the resulting data generated. The development of a CODIS-eligible profile should be a non-negotiable step in the process, along with maintaining proper chain of custody of evidence. In the event that a profile is eligible, but no match is found, then forensic genealogy could be considered.
Best practices should also be followed while performing genealogical research. This starts by only utilizing experienced and board-certified genealogists to help develop these investigative leads. The genealogist should move forward by evaluating only credible sources, applying stringent quality and ethical standards, and employing diverse investigative methods to address complex questions of identity and kinship. Finally, law enforcement should ensure that any investigative leads are ultimately verified in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. These are all critical elements that have been thoughtfully and carefully incorporated within Bode’s FGS program.
Solving More Cases
For more than 20 years, Bode has been a leader in forensic DNA analysis. Bode’s highly refined protocols and rigorous quality systems are used every day to identify perpetrators of crimes, identify the missing and exonerate the innocent. Bode has incorporated the same principles to deliver a forensic genealogy solution for our clients. Through the use of accredited testing laboratories and board certified and experienced genealogists, Bode has developed a high-quality, turnkey solution for crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies and attorneys to take advantage of this new investigative tool.
Forensic genealogy should not, and will not, replace the need for CODIS. In order for DNA to remain the gold standard for DNA testing, it is important to maintain the integrity of a highly-regulated system. However, it is also important to recognize the impact that genealogy is having in solving cold cases by providing key investigative leads to law enforcement. As the general public continues to voluntarily populate the database, this will enable law enforcement to identify suspects when other avenues have been exhausted. Bode FGS is a tool that can prevent future crimes and provide the justice that victims deserve.
For more information visit https://bode-labs.com/pages/bode-forensic-genealogy-service or email Bode.Service@Bodetech.com.
REFERENCES