Author Profile

Genealogy ID's Rohnert Park John Doe from 2015
December 17, 2021
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office received confirmation that a John Doe death reported on Jan. 2, 2015, has been positively identified using genetic genealogy and the assistance of the DNA Doe Project. read more
New Way to Find Genetic Variations Removes Bias from Human Genotyping
December 17, 2021
Since the first sequencing of the human genome more than 20 years ago, the study of human genomes has relied almost exclusively on a single reference genome to which others are compared to identify genetic variations. read more
Remains Found in 1982 are Those of Former O’Jays Guitarist
December 15, 2021
With the help of DNA Doe Project, unidentified remains discovered on Feb. 18, 1982, have now been identified as Frank “Frankie” Little, Jr., a guitarist who once played with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame R&B group the O’Jays. read more
Q&A: Ancient DNA Researchers Set Guidelines
December 15, 2021
From the first full ancient genome published in 2010 to the more than 4,000 analyzed today, the DNA collected from ancient human remains has advanced researchers’ understanding of the origins and history of human populations around the world. read more
N.C. Investigators, Othram ID Body Found in 1995
December 15, 2021
The skeleton was covered with a thin layer of soil and leaves. It was clothed in a pair of brown pants and a dark coat. read more
New Synthetic Opioid ID'ed During Forensic Death Investigations in U.S., Canada
December 15, 2021
Etodesnitazene is a new synthetic opioid bearing structural resemblance to etonitazene, a synthetic opioid that is nationally and internationally controlled. read more
FIU Awarded $2M to Create Digital Forensics Center of Excellence with HBCUs
December 15, 2021
The Forensic Investigations Network in Digital Sciences (FINDS) Center of Excellence (COE) will provide a vital research hub and workforce pathway for digital forensics professionals entering the Department of Defense and other governmental departments and agencies. read more
NPS Alerts: New Synthetic Opioid and ‘Unusual’ Overdose Symptoms
December 13, 2021
The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) has issued two public alerts this month regarding next-generation opioids. read more
Australian Federal Police First in Country to Use Next-generation Sequencing
December 13, 2021
The AFP has been carefully testing and assessing MPS to ensure its accuracy, prior to any use in forensic investigations. This validation for use in forensic analysis is an Australian first for law enforcement. read more
Maryland Forensic Labs Receive $2M to Reduce DNA Backlogs
December 13, 2021
The funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) at the Department of Justice through the BJA DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction program and is directed to multiple police. read more
Illinois Police, Parabon, ID Body Found in 1975
December 13, 2021
On Dec. 23, 1975, the Davie Police Department discovered the body of an unidentified white female floating in a canal. read more
Smartwatch Sensor May Help Prevent Opioid Relapse, Overdose
December 13, 2021
A research team has received a $1.1 million grant to further develop a smartwatch sensor designed to support the long-term recovery of people with opioid use disorder (OUD). read more
Digital Forensics: Training Best Practices for Officers, Investigators
December 10, 2021
In a world where just about every suspect and witness has a digital device, cutting digital training eliminates an investment in people – and therefore, a force’s future. read more
Jane Arroyo Grande Doe ID'ed After 41 Years
December 10, 2021
The City of Henderson Police Department’s Investigative Division has identified the victim of their 1980 cold case homicide as 17-year-old Tammy Terrell. read more
Reversing Course, Brattleboro Police Say Tests Found No Fentanyl in Marijuana
December 10, 2021
Laboratory tests on marijuana believed to have been laced with fentanyl found no traces of the powerful opioid, Brattleboro police said Thursday. read more
DNA Inside Conch Shell Leads to Suspect in 2001 Homicide
December 10, 2021
Prosecutors say DNA recovered from the interior of a conch shell thought to have been used as a weapon in the 2001 killing of a Massachusetts woman has led to the indictment on a murder charge of the victim’s half-brother. read more
College-in-prison Program Found to Reduce Recidivism Significantly
December 10, 2021
The study found a large and significant reduction in recidivism rates across racial groups among those who participated in the program. read more
DNA Links Newly ID’ed Suspect in 1979 Homicide to a Second Murder
December 08, 2021
Now, LVMPD has tied that same suspect to yet another cold case sexual assault and murder, this one four years later in 1983. read more
DHS Releases New Master Question List for Synthetic Opioids
December 08, 2021
The MQL is a reference guide to assist emergency responders and the research community by providing critical and scientifically-vetted information about the chemical and physical properties of synthetic opioids and the hazards they pose in operational settings. read more
Genealogy Points to Suspect in 15 Sexual Assault Cases in the 1990s
December 08, 2021
Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit identified the suspect responsible for at least 15 cases from the 1990s. read more