Investigative genetic genealogy is assisting law enforcement in solving cold and current crime cases by identifying distant genetic relatives of unknown individuals, differing from traditional forensic DNA testing that relies on direct comparisons between evidence and a known person.
As part of this process, genetic evidence has been sent to Othram, a Houston-based company that uses DNA technology to help identify perpetrators in criminal investigations.
The method has proven highly successful in helping investigators solve cases involving unidentified human remains and in identifying suspects in longstanding investigations.
Othram operates a website listing cases that members of the public can help fund.
While investigative genetic genealogy can help hunt down criminals, the practice raises worries over privacy.
In a related application of investigative techniques, an investigative team constructed a family tree to help identify a killer.
DNA science is not the only technology that is helping detectives solve cold cases.
Wes Sperino, Gail's son, said at a press conference:"I finally get closure and I finally know who did this."The technique that led detectives to Zigler is credited with revolutionising how forensic cases are solved.