Author Profile

How Criminals Give Themselves Away with their Language
November 19, 2025
Forensic linguistics is not just about catching criminals, it’s also about finding ways to better support vulnerable groups who find themselves having to interact with legal systems. read more
Genealogy IDs Newborn Left on Side of Road in 1983, No Charges Filed Against Mother
November 19, 2025
At the time the baby was located, the medical examiner was unable to confirm whether the baby had been born alive or deceased. read more
DNA Identifies Adopted Woman Murdered at Least 1 Year Before Body Found in 2003
November 19, 2025
Advanced DNA testing coupled with forensic genetic genealogy has led to the identification of homicide victim Deanna Marie Smith, whose remains were discovered in October 2003. read more
How Students Helped Police Solve a 1971 Cold Case Murder
November 19, 2025
As interns for the Howard County Police Department, the students documented and digitized evidence, reevaluated fingerprints from more than 50 years ago, and leveraged genealogy and AI technology. read more
The Basics of Firearm Forensics
November 18, 2025
In countries like Pakistan, where gun-related crimes are rising, the need for reliable firearm forensics is greater than ever. read more
Fourth Victim Tied to Colonial Parkway Murders Serial Killer
November 17, 2025
The serial killer responsible for at least three of the Colonial Parkway murders has now been tied to a fourth victim through DNA. read more
Police Make Arrest in 2004 Homicide Following International Search for Suspect
November 17, 2025
Chicago Police Department detectives have secured murder charges against a suspect who fled the country during an investigation that began more than two decades ago. read more
University, Police Partner to Advance Cold Case Investigations
November 17, 2025
Serving in an advisory capacity, the teams will analyze case materials and make recommendations for evidence suitable for further forensic testing. read more
Forensic Team Behind Sneaker Identification Project Seeks Public Input
November 17, 2025
Forensic experts are inviting the public to put their sneaker knowledge to the test, and contribute to an award-winning research project. read more
USM Becomes Only University in State with Crime Scene Investigation Major
November 17, 2025
The change reflects a broader transformation in how the university prepares students for careers in forensic science—moving away from glamorized television portrayals toward the tedious, detail-oriented reality of actual crime scene work. read more
A Real Evidence Lead or a Deepfake Fraud?
November 12, 2025
Over the last several years, there has been a growth in the number of options for the public to submit images and videos directly to agencies. This has been an enormous help, as it enables officers to review the evidence more quickly and disseminate pertinent information to the public. read more
Mistaken Age Complicates Research, But DNA Doe Project IDs 1988 Jane Doe
November 12, 2025
They soon came to learn that the initial assessments from 1988 were inaccurate. Originally, authorities believed that New Buffalo Jane Doe was a Caucasian woman in her 40s or 50s, but she turned out to be African American and in her 70s at the time of her death. read more
Latent Print Analysis Identifies Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee after 55 Years
November 12, 2025
In October 2025, Little Miss Lake Panasoffkee was finally identified through advanced latent print analysis as Maureen L. Minor Rowan, known by friends and family as “Cookie.” read more
Cold Case Unit, Othram Use Genealogy to ID 2016 Victim
November 12, 2025
Detectives with the CMPD Cold Case Unit have identified a 2016 deceased victim using forensic investigative genetic genealogy. read more
Genealogy IDs Suspect in 1998 Assault, Murder of Hospital Worker
November 12, 2025
Crandell was found murdered in her office at Prince George’s Hospital Center in Cheverly. The suspect is Baari Shabazz. He died in 2019 at the age of 69. read more
Report Stresses Need for More Crime Labs as Demand Climbs
November 10, 2025
A report from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) suggests Tennessee’s crime labs are at or near capacity and the state must consider expanding current facilities and building new ones if there’s any hope of addressing the current evidence backlog. read more
DNA from Hair Sample, Genealogy IDs 1968 Jane Doe
November 10, 2025
After 57 years, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim of a 1968 homicide—a breakthrough made possible through the dedication of partner agencies and advancements in forensic genealogy. read more
DNA Matches Skeletal Remains to Known Boating Accident Victim
November 10, 2025
Reich drowned in a boating accident in January 1978 and his body, which was missing a mandible, was recovered after being found along the rocks of a jetty about a month later. read more
Remains Found in 1970 Identified as Missing Person
November 10, 2025
On June 7, 1970, kids playing in the desert located human remains buried in a shallow grave. The remains were unidentifiable. read more
University Team Works to Recover Missing WWII Pilots
November 10, 2025
In a field west of Paris, France, a group of 17, including graduate students, professors and alumni from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, meticulously worked to find those who went missing in World War II. read more