As we prepare to move into a new year, let’s take a look back at Forensic’s most popular news of the year, while reflecting on how far forensic science has come in the last 12 months.
1. Genetic Genealogy Finds 30 Relatives of Jane Doe, But Not Her Name
Investigators from Flagler County Sheriff's Office (Florida) have released a new facial approximation of a Jane Doe whose body was found in 1993. Oddly enough, at least 30 relatives of Jane Doe have been identified and contacted, but her identity still remains a mystery.
Date originally published: Feb. 13, 2023
2. Oldest Human Genome from Southern Spain
An international team of researchers has analyzed ancient human DNA from several archaeological sites in Andalucía in southern Spain. The study reports on the oldest genome to date from Cueva del Malalmuerzo in southern Spain, as well as the 7,000 to 5,000-year-old genomes of early farmers from other well-known sites, such as Cueva de Ardales.
Date originally published: March 3, 2023
3. Forensic Animation Firm Tests 'Single Bullet Theory' in Reconstruction of JFK Assassination
Knott Laboratory, a leader in forensic engineering and animation for more than 40 years, was commissioned to create the digital reconstruction of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to test the "single bullet theory" from the historic Warren Commission report. They have released their findings in advance of the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy.
Date originally published:
4. Genealogy IDs Birth Mother of Now-healthy 4-Year-Old Abandoned in the Woods
A happy, healthy “Baby India”—as she came to be called—will turn 4-years-old in two weeks. And now, with the help of advanced DNA testing, genetic genealogy and Othram, investigators at Forsyth County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) have arrested Baby India’s birth mother for criminal attempt to murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, aggravated assault and reckless abandonment.
Date originally published: Oct. 30, 2023
5. How Many Cases Have Been Solved with Forensic Genetic Genealogy?
Tracey Leigh Dowdeswell, a professor of criminology and legal studies at Douglas College in Canada, is the first to put a number on cases solved using FGG. By doing so, she’s also the first to construct an adequate sample frame for further research into forensic genetic genealogy.
Date originally published: May 22, 2023
6. Traces of Meth Detected in First Test for Airborne Drug Pollution in Oceania
Methamphetamine, nicotine, caffeine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were detected in downtown Auckland air in the first study of its type in New Zealand and Australia. Traces caught by filters at a pollution monitoring site on Customs St. near the bottom of Queen St. were analyzed by scientists from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
Date originally published: April 24, 2023
7. Opioid 25x More Potent than Fentanyl Tied to 20 Overdose Deaths in U.S., UK
From one end of the country to the other, officials are tracking yet another nitazene analogue that has caused at least 20 overdose deaths to date. Recently acquired in vitro pharmacological data shows this emergent novel synthetic opioid—called N-pyrrolidino protonitazene (also protonitazepyne)—is 25x more potent than fentanyl.
Date originally published: Sept. 11, 2023
8. Man Facing Execution in Missouri Despite DNA Evidence Supporting Innocence
On June 29, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson lifted the stay of 53-year-old Marcellus Williams’ execution. Williams has spent 24 years of his life on death row for a murder DNA evidence proves someone else committed. Parson terminated a board comprising five former judges appointed to examine the case of Williams, lifting the stay instituted by then-governor Eric Greitens minutes before Williams’ scheduled execution in 2017.
Date originally published: Aug. 23, 2023
9. DNA, Genetic Genealogy Helps Identify 1978 Jane Doe
In September 1978, the body of a white female homicide victim between the age of 20 and 25 was discovered, wrapped in a blanket, in an illegal landfill located approximately one mile south of the old Byram Swinging Bridge in Rankin County, Mississippi. The victim had likely been deceased for several days before she was found. There were no clues at the scene that could be used to identify her.
Date originally published: March 24, 2023
10. University Scientists Locate Missing WWII Pilot after 8 Decades
Forensic experts from Cranfield University’s Recovery and Identification of Conflict Casualties team worked in partnership with colleagues from the US Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency, travelling to Sciacca to undertake a painstaking investigation. In October 2023, investigators announced they had located human remains belonging to Myers, and through DNA analysis in the U.S., he has now been accounted for.
Date originally published: Nov. 15, 2023
(A really close) 11. Health Officials Say Fentanyl Can be Weaponized, Urge Preparation
The widely available drug fentanyl, already the number one killer of Americans under 50, could be weaponized and used for terroristic mass poisoning, according to health experts at Rutgers and other institutions.
Date originally published: June 2, 2023