Investigative Genealogy
Definition
A technique that searches consumer ancestry DNA databases using crime-scene SNP profiles to identify candidate relatives of an unknown contributor, then uses genealogical research to identify specific individuals. Used in the Golden State Killer case 2017-2018.
- Method
- Crime-scene SNP profile searched against ancestry databases
- Output
- Candidate relatives, refined by genealogical research
- Notable case
- Golden State Killer, identified 2018
Common questions
How does it differ from standard forensic STR profiling?+
It uses dense SNP data compatible with consumer genealogy databases rather than the STR loci used in CODIS, which enables matching to distant relatives instead of requiring a direct database hit on the offender.
What are its main limitations?+
It only works if relatives have tested with a participating service, raises distinct privacy and consent questions, and any lead it generates still requires confirmatory STR testing before an identification is treated as evidentiary.
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