Why Forensic DNA Matters
Identifying the Unknown
Advanced forensic DNA technology can recover genetic information from even the smallest or most degraded evidence, helping restore identities to unknown victims and ensuring every person is remembered by name.
Reopening Unsolved Cases
Modern DNA sequencing allows investigators to revisit evidence collected years ago, generating new investigative leads and giving law enforcement new opportunities to solve cases once thought impossible.
Answers for Families
Behind every case is a family waiting for truth. Forensic DNA can uncover new leads and confirm identities, helping families move closer to long-awaited answers and ensuring no victim is ever left unnamed.
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The Steps Behind Identifying the Unknown
Identifying the unknown through forensic DNA testing follows a careful scientific process. From reviewing biological evidence to extracting and sequencing DNA, each step helps generate new investigative leads. Through advanced technology and genetic genealogy, investigators can restore identities and move cases closer to answers.
Evidence Review
Law enforcement identifies biological evidence from a case that may contain DNA. This could include items like clothing, hair, bone, or other biological material. Scientists first assess whether enough genetic material remains to attempt advanced sequencing.
DNA Extraction and Sequencing
Specialized forensic laboratories extract DNA from the evidence and use advanced sequencing technology to build a detailed genetic profile. Unlike traditional forensic tests that examine a small number of markers, modern sequencing analyzes hundreds of thousands of genetic points across the genome.
Genetic Genealogy Analysis
The DNA profile is compared to genetic genealogy databases that allow law enforcement access. Instead of looking for a direct match, analysts identify individuals who share segments of DNA that indicate they are relatives of the unknown individual. These relatives may be distant cousins several generations removed.
Family Tree Reconstruction
Professional genealogists build family trees from the DNA matches. Using historical records, public documents, and genealogical research, investigators narrow down potential individuals who could match the DNA evidence.
Investigative Confirmation
Once a potential identity is identified, investigators confirm the result through traditional forensic DNA testing. This confirmation ensures that the identification meets the evidentiary standards required for criminal investigations and court proceedings.
WHY SOME CASES REMAIN UNSOLVED
Technology Limitations
Many cases were originally investigated before modern sequencing technology existed. Today’s advanced forensic tools allow evidence that once produced no results to be reexamined, creating new opportunities to identify suspects and move cases forward.
Degraded Or Limited Evidence
Biological material collected from crime scenes is often damaged by time, weather, or environmental exposure. Advanced forensic DNA testing can now recover usable profiles from smaller or more degraded samples, helping investigators generate new leads.
Limited Resources
Advanced forensic DNA testing can be costly, and many families cannot afford the specialized analysis needed to reopen a case. By helping fund modern DNA testing, new evidence can be uncovered and long-standing investigations can move forward.
Outdated Investigative Methods
The Key Components of DNA Identification
Forensic Evidence Analysis
Biological evidence is carefully reviewed and prepared before advanced DNA testing begins. Scientists assess the condition of the material to determine whether enough genetic information remains for sequencing and analysis.
Genetic Genealogy Research
DNA profiles created through advanced sequencing are compared with genealogy databases to identify potential relatives. Genealogists analyze family connections and records to help investigators narrow identities.
Advanced DNA Sequencing
Specialized forensic laboratories use advanced sequencing technology to recover DNA from degraded or limited evidence, generating detailed genetic profiles that can produce new investigative leads and help move cases forward.
Lead Development
When investigative leads are developed through DNA testing, law enforcement works to narrow possible identities and confirm results using traditional investigative methods and additional forensic analysis.
Help Us Seek Justice Together
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Securely support Murder Has a Name through The Kaylee Goncalves Foundation, Inc.