About Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy
DNA evidence can play a key role in investigations of cold case violent crimes and in cases of missing and unidentified individuals. Searching DNA profiles against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a critical first step toward finding investigative leads—but these searches may not always yield probative matches. When a search does not result in a CODIS match, forensic science service providers (FSSPs) may identify leads using forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG), a technique that combines traditional genealogy research with DNA analysis.
“The power of this new partnership between genetic genealogy and law enforcement has unlocked one of the biggest, if not the biggest, crime-fighting breakthroughs in decades.”1
– CeCe Moore| Parabon Genealogist
Want to Become a Hero?
In Hampden County there are many cold cases that could benefit from this new investigative technique. The biggest obstacle in providing justice to families that deserve it, is there is not enough DNA profiles in DNA data bases.
Here is how you can help.
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office will cover the cost of your genetic testing. We will give you the kit, you will get your ancestry information, and your DNA will be uploaded for comparison purposes.
It is estimated the average person has 1500 4th cousins, 17,000 fifth cousins, and over 174,000 sixth cousins.
We need to narrow down our searches to the 4th cousin level, and to do that we need to increase the size of the existing database.
It is believed that if just 1% of the population’s DNA was available for comparison almost any murder or rape, where there is DNA evidence available, a suspect could be identified.
Genetic Genealogy Sign Up
Sign up to have your DNA tested and ancestry information provided to you free of charge. Your profile will be uploaded to assist in the Hampden District Attorney's Office investigation of cold cases.
