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Genetic Genealogy: Solving Crimes with DNA

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 4:37 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: Washington, California, Texas, UNITED STATES

The Science Behind the Success

Genetic genealogy isn't simply running DNA through a database to find a perfect match. It's a sophisticated process that merges traditional genealogical research with advanced DNA analysis. The core steps involve:

1. Evidence Collection & Sequencing: Crime scene evidence - blood, saliva, hair, or other biological material - is meticulously collected. Modern DNA sequencing technology then creates a detailed genetic profile from this evidence.
2. Public Database Upload: This genetic profile is uploaded to publicly accessible genealogy databases like GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA. Crucially, these databases aren't filled with criminal records; they're populated by individuals voluntarily submitting their DNA to explore their ancestry and build family trees.
3. Distant Relative Identification: The uploaded profile is then compared against the millions of profiles within these databases. The search doesn't focus on direct matches, but rather on distant relatives - individuals sharing a small percentage of DNA with the unknown suspect. This is where the power of large databases comes into play; even a tiny shared genetic segment can provide a vital clue.
4. Genealogical Reconstruction: Highly skilled genealogists then take over. They painstakingly construct family trees based on the DNA matches, tracing ancestral lines backwards through generations. By identifying common ancestors, they narrow down the pool of potential suspects.

From Golden State Killer to 'Dear Sister': A String of Solved Cases The impact of genetic genealogy has been demonstrably significant. Several notorious cases, once considered unsolvable, have been cracked thanks to this technique:

• Joseph James DeAngelo (Golden State Killer): The 2018 arrest of DeAngelo, responsible for a decades-long reign of terror in California involving numerous rapes and murders, marked a watershed moment for genetic genealogy. It demonstrated the potential of the method and propelled it into the national spotlight.
• Howard Wayne McNaughton ('Dear Sister' Serial Killer): A 1987 cold case, solved in 2023, showcased the longevity of genetic genealogy's reach. Even decades after the crimes, the technique could identify McNaughton.
• Lonnie David Farney (Matchstick Killer): In 2022, Farney was charged with multiple murders in Washington State, identified through genetic genealogy after years of evading justice.

These are just a few examples; numerous other cases across the country are being actively investigated using this method, promising to bring closure to countless families.

The Shadow Side: Privacy and Ethical Quandaries

Despite its success, genetic genealogy is shrouded in ethical concerns. The central issue revolves around privacy. Individuals who submit their DNA to genealogy databases do so with the primary intention of uncovering their family history, not aiding criminal investigations. The potential for their genetic information to be used to identify potential suspects, even if they are innocent, raises serious questions.

GEDmatch, a key database used in these investigations, initially banned law enforcement access following the Golden State Killer case, recognizing the privacy implications. However, they later reversed their policy, requiring investigators to obtain a warrant, a move aimed at balancing investigative needs with individual rights.

But the ethical considerations go deeper. What about the privacy of distant relatives who, by simply existing within the shared ancestral lines, are unwittingly drawn into the investigation? Do individuals have an inherent right to control the use of their genetic information, even after voluntarily submitting it to a public database? And what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse or errors in the genealogical reconstruction process?

The debate is further complicated by the fact that genetic genealogy relies on probabilistic evidence. A DNA match doesn't prove guilt; it establishes a familial connection. Building a compelling case still requires traditional investigative work, corroborating evidence, and due process.

The Future of Investigative Genetics

Genetic genealogy is rapidly evolving. Improvements in DNA sequencing technology, the growth of genealogy databases, and increasingly sophisticated analytical tools will likely enhance its effectiveness. However, this progress must be accompanied by a robust legal and ethical framework. Clear guidelines regarding data access, usage, and protection are crucial to ensuring that this powerful tool is used responsibly and ethically. The conversation about privacy, rights, and the implications of investigative genetics is far from over, and its outcome will shape the future of law enforcement for years to come.