Author Profile

Complex Family Trees, Genetic Genealogy Mark the Last of the Finalists in 2020 DNA Hit of the Year Program
June 30, 2020
Genetic genealogy has undoubtedly revolutionized forensic work, making its largest impact in cold case investigations. read more
NIST Spectral Library Adds Over 40 Fentanyl Analogs
June 29, 2020
The 2020 update sees the addition of more than 14,000 human and plant metabolites, including over 40 new fentanyl analogs. read more
Microalgae Research Advances Investigations of Homicides Involving Water
June 29, 2020
Research into microalgae on clothing is advancing the understanding of forensic investigations into crime-related deaths that have occurred in water bodies. read more
More Fragments from 1952 Crash in Alaska Found in Glacier
June 29, 2020
The goal is to identify and return remains from everyone onboard the C-124 Globemaster, which smashed into Mount Gannett north of Anchorage on Nov. 22, 1952, killing all 41 passengers and 11 crew members. read more
FBI Artifact of the Month: Laptop from Operation Ghost Stories
June 29, 2020
When Anna Chapman moved to Manhattan in 2009, she told her new friends she worked as a realtor. A few months later, an FBI investigation revealed Chapman’s secret—she was a Russian spy. read more
Homeland Security Seeks Partners for First Responders Technology R&D
June 29, 2020
Industry, academia, laboratories, and the innovation community are invited to submit proposals related to four technology categories. read more
Familial DNA, Search Highlight Finalist Cases in 2020 DNA Hit of the Year Program
June 26, 2020
Familial DNA and a kinship search were vital components of the cases selected as runner-up and third place in the 4th annual DNA Hit of the Year program. read more
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