Spokane investigators harness the power of genetic genealogy to crack two decades-old cold cases, bringing closure to families and shedding light on unsolved mysteries. Through a collaborative effort between the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office, Othram Inc., and the Spokane Police, the remains found in the Spokane River are identified as Bret Robert Snow, a missing homicide victim. Additionally, the identity of a John Doe discovered in a railroad tunnel in 1980 is revealed as Donald Leroy Pearson, thanks to the groundbreaking advancements in genetic genealogy. These breakthroughs highlight the significance of forensic science in unraveling long-standing mysteries and seeking justice.
Browsing: Forensic Genealogy
Unlock the past with Forensic Genealogy at SimplyForensic.com. Delve into how genealogical research and DNA technology are revolutionizing the way we solve cold cases and trace family histories in legal contexts. Our content provides a deep dive into the methods, success stories, and ethical considerations of using genealogy to aid forensic investigations.
DNA testing has revolutionized genealogy research by providing a powerful tool for tracing family lineages and uncovering surprising connections and heritage. It has also revolutionized forensic science, providing a powerful tool for solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice.
A new mathematical analysis could crack cases of unidentified persons and their relatives 10 times faster.
Forensic genetic genealogy has solved a decades-old cold case involving Roxanne Wood, using a highly degraded DNA sample to identify the assailant. Learn about this groundbreaking case.
In January 1995, the parents of Mary Catherine Edwards, a “well-loved” Beaumont, Texas school teacher, went to her home to check on her. Mary lived alone, had not responded to calls and her parents were concerned. Upon arrival, they found she had been drowned in her bathroom. Beaumont detectives later determined that the Mary had been sexually assaulted before her murder.
Hikers in the Rush Creek Conservation Area of Harvard, Illinois discovered a body near the Rush Creek Trails in May 2019. The McHenry County Conservation Police responded to the scene and discovered the remains of a middle-aged white man. He was clothed in winter attire including multiple layers, a hat, hand-knitted scarf, and gloves.
In December 1990, a couple walking on a rural road in Southwest Missouri discovered the decomposed remains of a young woman. She had been hog-tied and dumped next to an abandoned farmhouse. Detective Howard was told that it would be only by the “Grace of God” that they could find out who she was, and she became known as Grace Doe. Her autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and murdered approximately two months prior to her discovery. Grace Doe was found restrained with six different types of bindings: nylon and lead ropes, coaxial and telephone cables, paracord, and…
The search for answers began in 1994 when a fisherman discovered a body in the lake. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s office determined the deceased to be between 25 and 35 years old and the victim of a violent homicide. Multiple varied facial reconstructions were made for the victim over the years, in part because ethnicity assessment was inconclusive. Each artistic rendition was shared with the public in hopes that someone would recognize the victim and come forward with information.
In 1988, a passerby discovered the partially clothed remains of a young woman in an underground pump house on the former Publicker Distiller property in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Named the Publicker Girl, she was estimated to be 17-20 years old and six months pregnant when she died.
Full of life and with a bright future ahead, Carla Walker was just 17 when she was abducted from a Fort Worth parking lot and murdered in February of 1974. Carla and her boyfriend stopped by a local bowling alley to use the restrooms after attending a Valentine’s Day dance. The perpetrator jerked open the passenger side door and dragged Carla out of the car, threatening her boyfriend with a gun and beating him unconscious. Carla’s body was found in a culvert three days later; she had been raped, beaten, and strangled.
The ISHI (International Symposium on Human Identification) brought a series in collaboration with Othram that showcased the important work being done behind the scenes to solve cold cases with the help of new tool in crime solving – Genetic Geneology
The remains of “Brad Doe,” found in 1983, have been identified as John Ingram Brandenburg, Jr., thanks to forensic genealogy. Learn how DNA analysis helped bring closure after 37 years.
Identifinders International in conjunction with the Naperville Police Department is pleased to announce the arrest of Barry Lee Whelpley as a suspect in the murder of 15-year-old Julie Hansen. Hansen was last seen on July 7, 1972 when she left home on her bicycle to watch a baseball game. She was found several miles from her home in a rural area the following day. She had been sexually assaulted and stabbed multiple times. Although numerous individuals were DNA tested, no CODIS hit was achieved, and the case went cold.
Discover how combining genetics with genealogy can identify individuals in unmarked graves, with significant implications for historical research, military identification, and public health.
Discover how forensic genealogy helped solve a 1980 cold case murder in Colorado, leading to the conviction of James Curtis Clanton.
Discover how forensic genealogy helped crack a 21-year-old cold case in Cumberland County, solving the mystery of ‘Baby Michael’ and leading to the arrest of the baby’s mother.
Discover how forensic genealogy led to the resolution of a 2012 sexual assault case, resulting in a 45-year prison sentence. Explore the impact of genetic testing in solving cold cases.
Explore how genetic forensics helped convict the Golden State Killer and the ethical and privacy concerns it raises. Learn about the technique and its implications.
