How forensic genetic genealogy came to Ottawa from California — and where it's headed next

Ottawa

Family tree enthusiasts are helping police solve decades-old homicides. And the former California district attorney who helped bring the technique to the world with the prosecution of the Golden State Killer back in 2018 says it has the potential to solve many more — as long as it’s managed appropriately.

‘It’s the most revolutionary thing we’ve seen in our lifetimes,’ says Golden State Killer prosecution alumnus

Kristy Nease · CBC News · Posted: Dec 19, 2024 4:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 3 hours ago

Investigative genetic genealogy uses an unidentifed suspect or victim’s DNA to find their relatives and start building out a family tree, which helps investigators narrow their search. (Mary Altaffer, File/The Associated Press)

Family tree enthusiasts and the websites that cater to them are helping police solve decades-old homicides, including here in Ottawa. And the former California district attorney who helped bring the technique to the world with the prosecution of the Golden State Killer back in 2018 says it has the potential to solve many more — as long as it’s managed appropriately.

Investigative genetic genealogy — the process of using DNA to find relatives of unidentified suspects and victims of crime 

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