Residential burials, in which people are buried inside of or very close to their houses, are no longer common, especially in the West. read more

In May 2026, detectives obtained a sample of Velasquez’s DNA from discarded trash and sent it to a crime lab for further analysis. The lab determined her DNA was a match to the blood droplet recovered from the bedroom television stand. read more

CPD’s forensic laboratory achieved accreditation on its first assessment attempt, which is rare for a laboratory of its size. read more

In an usual sequence of events, forensic genetic genealogy has now identified the remains of a homicide victim from 1981—even though a suspect was convicted of her murder 45 years ago. read more

As part of this ongoing effort, investigators are issuing a specific request to the public: authorities are asking anyone who lived in or visited the Concord area during the summer of 1984 to review their personal photo albums and submit any photographs taken in the area during that timeframe. read more

Anti-human trafficking investigations around New Jersey before and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup resulted in the recovery of 97 suspected human trafficking victims and led to 71 arrests. read more

Years of research led to a Croatian woman who immigrated to the US in 1905 and gave birth to a daughter a year later. Difficult family circumstances led to this daughter being entrusted to the care of an orphanage. read more

The study is expected to become one of the most comprehensive evaluations of forensic genetic genealogy performance across ancestral populations relevant to U.S.-based forensic investigations. read more

In 2013, Chicago Public Schools closed 49 elementary schools, the largest mass public school closure in U.S. history at the time. A new study shows that, in addition to limiting access to education, the school closures also led to increases in gun violence. read more

A new study argues prevention efforts should move beyond resource-intensive community coalitions and become part of schools, healthcare and everyday technology. read more