Author Profile

DNA Doe Project IDs 2017 Wisconsin John Doe
June 26, 2020
Working in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the DNA Doe Project has identified the remains recovered from a wooded area south of Barron, Wisconsin in December 2017. read more
SNP Analysis IDs Washington Jane Doe 43 Years After Murder
June 26, 2020
Successful identification of Lisa Roberts was established using SNP DNA and investigative genetic genealogy. The DNA used for the identification was obtained from Roberts' hair. read more
Better Reading Proficiency Linked to Fewer Youth Homicides
June 26, 2020
Researchers recently showed that those urban areas with a larger number of third graders reading at grade level had lower rates of homicides among people age 25 or younger. read more
Lawsuit: Chicago Police Using Virus to Deny Suspects' Rights
June 26, 2020
A lawsuit filed Tuesday alleges the Chicago Police Department has used the coronavirus pandemic and recent protests as “cover” to deny criminal suspects their legal right to speak with attorneys. read more
Brazilian ‘Robbery of the Century’ Selected as 2020 DNA Hit of the Year
June 24, 2020
This transnational investigation of a major Brazilian gang has the markings of a history-altering moment—which is one of the reasons the case was selected as the 2020 DNA Hit of the Year just minutes ago. read more
U.S. to Return Remains of 147 South Korean Soldiers From the Korean War
June 24, 2020
In the largest repatriation of South Korean soldiers' remains from the Korean War, 147 such remains will be returned to South Korea following an honor ceremony. read more
Assessment Says NJ County is First in State to Meet International Forensic Quality Standards
June 24, 2020
The Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Section of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office is the first in New Jersey to welcome an independent assessment, which concluded the section meets rigorous international quality standards. read more
Pollen Expert Nominated for Crime-solving Prowess
June 24, 2020
A Texas A&M University graduate who helped solve a horrific crime in the Boston area has been nominated for one of the U.S. government’s highest awards. read more
Coronavirus Lockdowns Increase Poaching in Asia, Africa
June 24, 2020
A camera trap photo of an injured tigress and a forensic examination of its carcass revealed why the creature died: a poacher’s wire snare punctured its windpipe and sapped its strength as the wound festered for days. read more
Forensic Experts to Train Costa Rican Counterparts, Create Model for Central America
June 22, 2020
A team of forensic experts from West Virginia University has partnered with the Costa Rican government to train and support the country’s scientists, crime scene investigators and medical examiners for the next two years. read more
STRmix Team Launches FaSTR DNA to Rapidly Analyze DNA Profiles, Assign Number of Contributors
June 22, 2020
FaSTR DNA expedites the analysis of raw data generated by genetic analyzers and standard profiling kits. read more
Jurors Respond Negatively to Police Overreactions to Black Americans
June 22, 2020
Psychology and criminal justice researchers are now trying to determine the various influences of body-worn and dash cam footage, such as its impact on trial outcomes. read more
Study Pioneers Use of Fingerprinting Technique in Wildlife Crime
June 22, 2020
The new method uses gelatine lifters with a low-adhesive gelatine layer on one side, which are used universally by forensic practitioners for lifting footwear marks, fingermarks and trace materials off various objects in criminal investigations. read more
Penn. State Police: Significant Progress in 1986 Disappearance of Boy Due to Forensic Advancements
June 22, 2020
Corey Edkin would have been 36 years old on June 11, 2020, but he has not been seen alive since October 12, 1986. read more
‘Your DNA Will be the Voice for Someone Who Can No Longer Speak’: Genetic Genealogy IDs Victim, Suspect From 1991 Cold Case
June 19, 2020
Beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled with her own bikini top on Valentine’s Day 1991, the identity of “Valentine Jane Doe” has finally been revealed thanks to genetic genealogy not available 30 years ago. read more
In an Era Before Rape Kits, She Fought for Justice
June 19, 2020
Sue Royston decided to fight for justice even though the police doubted her, the prosecution discouraged her, and those around her dismissed her story. read more
Student Spotlight: Trio Heads to UC Davis Together After Collaborative Undergraduate Experience
June 19, 2020
Three applied, three made it in, three of them – all close friends who graduated in April from Grand Canyon University's close-knit Forensic Science program. read more
Forensic Science Professor Reflects on Weeks Spent on COVID-19 Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team in NYC
June 19, 2020
Focused on the recovery, decontamination, examination, and return of human remains in disasters, the team helped the city process those who died as a result of COVID-19. read more
Extra Police Powers During COVID-19 Could Affect Relationship with Public for Good
June 19, 2020
How the police use extra powers they have received during COVID-19 will have a long-lasting effect on their relationship with the public, argues a university researcher who is also a senior police officer. read more
Man Accused of Being Golden State Killer to Plead Guilty to Avoid Death Penalty
June 17, 2020
A man accused of being the rapist and killer who terrorized California residents in the 1970s and 1980s has agreed to plead guilty to dozens of crimes in return for being spared the death penalty. read more