Advancing Justice with Forensic Genetic Genealogy

Recorded March 28th, 2025

Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) is an innovative method of DNA analysis that combines forensic analysis with traditional genealogy research. Investigative leads developed from this work assist law enforcement in identifying an unknown perpetrator or victim. This technique is exceptionally beneficial to resolving cold case violent crimes, in which other traditional leads have been exhausted.

Recognizing the value of this powerful investigative tool, the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) became the first federal program to allow FGG to be applied to criminal investigations using federal funding. Since 2019, SAKI grantees have leveraged FGG testing to support hundreds of investigations resulting in the identification of previously unknown perpetrators, including serial offenders. As many of these SAKI cases are now proceeding to trial, prosecutors are having to navigate the nuances of FGG in a legal setting.

In this presentation, the presenters provide an overview of FGG, evidentiary challenges for prosecutors and investigators, including surreptitious collection of DNA from suspects, affidavits for search warrants and discovery requests implicating FGG, managing developing issues at pre-trial hearings, and trial testimony associated with FGG investigative leads.

At the completion of this presentation, attendees will:
-Develop a basic understanding of forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) and its application to violent crime cold case investigations.
-Recognize the value of FGG as an investigative tool.
-Develop strategies to investigate and prosecute cold case violent crimes associated with FGG leads.
-Create approaches for resolving cold case violent crimes including victim and/or family notification and engagement, and cold case litigation strategies.
-Provide an interactive conversation for identifying and discussing developing issues and practitioner responses in investigations and prosecution involving advanced DNA technology.

This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-23-GK-00708-JAGP and Grant No. 2019-MU-BX-K011 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.