About

Forensic Genetic Genealogy

Overview

Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) is an investigative technique that combines traditional DNA analysis with genealogical research to help identify unknown individuals or generate investigative leads in criminal cases. Unlike standard forensic DNA methods that compare DNA profiles only against law enforcement databases, FGG uses DNA from crime scene evidence to identify potential relatives in public or opt-in genetic genealogy databases and then builds family trees to narrow possible matches.

Because Forensic Genetic Genealogy Systems (FGGS) involve different DNA technologies, genetic markers, algorithms, and databases from those used by CODIS, information and data derived from FGGS are not, and cannot be, uploaded, searched, or retained in any CODIS DNA Index.

FGG is not regulated or officially overseen. While several groups, including the FBI, offer guidelines and best practices, identifying where, when, how, and how often FGG is used is determined by information that individual companies, academic practitioners, and the FBI are willing to provide publicly.

Success Stories – Cold Cases and Active Investigations

Maryland, Montana, and Utah have enacted laws regulating the use of forensic genetic genealogy in criminal investigations. These laws primarily address how law enforcement can access and use genetic information from consumer DNA databases. All three states have restrictions on accessing these databases.

The Idaho State Police have used FGG to solve numerous cold cases. However, they have also leveraged the power of FGG to provide important leads for active investigations – most notably the murder of 4 Idaho University students. The FBI used genealogy databases to identify relatives of the unknown suspect from crime scene evidence to build family-tree leads. Those leads pointed investigators toward Bryan Kohberger.

The Spokane County (Washington) Sheriff’s Office used FGG to solve the 1978 murder of 16-year-old Krisann Baxter, identifying the perpetrator 45 years after the crime. Washington agencies have also employed FGG to identify unidentified human remains and provide long-awaited answers to families.

FGG gained national attention after helping identify the suspect in the decades-long investigation of the Golden State Killer case in California in 2018. The case demonstrated the power of combining DNA evidence with genealogical research and spurred broader adoption of FGG by states across the country. Since then, the technique has been used in hundreds of homicides, sexual assault, and unidentified remains cases nationwide.

In Montana, investigators used FGG to solve a 65-year-old double homicide involving teenagers Patricia Kalitzke and Duane Bogle. The technology identified a suspect who had died years earlier, allowing authorities to close one of the state’s oldest unsolved murder cases and provide closure to victims’ families.

State Legislative Initiatives

Key Center Activities in this Area

National Convening

The Center will host a national convening of invited jurisdictions, academics, and FGG providers to examine the different FGG applications. Resources from the convening can be used as the basis for future comparison research funded by Arnold Ventures.

Landscape Analysis

The Center will produce a comprehensive landscape analysis showcasing the use of FGG in the US. The landscape analysis will include technology comparisons, case studies, and an analysis of guidelines and guardrails.

Uplift Research and Information

The Center will uplift research and information from other Arnold Ventures-funded grantees who are working on Forensic Genetic Genealogy issues.

Related News and Resources

Our Work

Uniquely Positioned for Impact

The NCJA Center for Forensic DNA Policy & Practice serves as the national hub for implementing, assessing, and connecting critical areas of forensic DNA system improvement. This work will advance efforts to maximize the potential of forensic DNA technology nationwide.