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.
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More than two decades later, investigators received a significant lead when Carpenter’s DNA was entered into CODIS following an unrelated arrest in North Carolina for a sexual offense involving an underage female.
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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.
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Florida's warm, humid climate presents unique challenges for forensic investigations. Heat and moisture accelerate decomposition, making it essential for researchers to understand how local environmental conditions influence insect activity and development.
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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.
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A new forensic reexamination of three children and adolescents sacrificed in Inca Capacocha rituals is challenging earlier interpretations about how the individuals died.
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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.
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Before this lab opened, Wake County was one of 99 counties relying on the State Crime Laboratory for all DNA analysis. The new lab will now begin analyzing DNA evidence, starting with a small number of cases and growing over time.
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CPD’s forensic laboratory achieved accreditation on its first assessment attempt, which is rare for a laboratory of its size.
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Working with the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office (Florida), Othram has now identified two John Does—one found in 2005 and the other found in 2012.
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