Sherry Black Foundation
Investigative Genetic GenealogyWhat is IGG?
IGG is an advanced tool that helps to solve cold cases, identify missing persons, and generate leads for investigations. First and foremost, IGG has been instrumental in solving long-standing cold cases, particularly those involving serious crimes such as murder or sexual assault. By analyzing DNA evidence from crime scenes and comparing it to genetic genealogy databases, investigators can potentially identify unknown suspects or establish familial connections that lead to the perpetrator. This breakthrough can provide closure and justice to victims and their families who have been waiting for answers and resolution for a significant period.
IGG techniques can also help in identifying missing persons who have been unidentified for extended periods. By comparing DNA profiles from unidentified remains to genetic genealogy databases, investigators can potentially find matches or familial connections that lead to the identification of the individual. This can bring closure to families who have been searching for their missing loved ones and allow them to properly lay their loved ones to rest.
IGG can provide crucial leads and investigative breakthroughs in cases where traditional methods have failed to yield results. By leveraging genetic genealogy databases, law enforcement agencies can generate leads, narrow down suspects, and develop new avenues of investigation. This approach can breathe new life into cold cases or ongoing investigations, potentially leading to significant progress in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims.
It is important to note that the use of IGG in investigations must be carried out within legal and ethical boundaries, with appropriate consideration for privacy and consent. Proper protocols and safeguards should be in place to protect the privacy of individuals involved in genetic genealogy databases and to ensure responsible and accountable use of this technology.
Current Policy/Laws
“The Sherry Black Bill”, signed into law May 17, 2023. This law restricts the use of IGG to violent crimes only and establishes guidelines of what requirements must be met in order to utilize IGG. This law also provides guidelines and limitations on arrests or charges. This also establishes annual reporting requirements for the use of IGG and creates provisions for post-conviction relief involving IGG.
The Department of Justice published an interim policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching in November 2019, which applies to specific IGG/FGG investigations and includes many guidelines on the use of this investigative tool.
Effective date Oct 1, 2021. Maryland’s law requires investigators to get a signoff by a judge before using IGG. This law restricts this technique to only be used for serious crimes and provides guidelines. This legislation also requires that both the private labs creating the SNP DNA profiles as well as that those performing the IGG work be licensed by the state of Maryland.
Signed into law May 7, 2021. Montana’s law requires that investigators obtain a search warrant before using a consumer DNA database unless the consumer has waived the right to privacy.
IGG Related Agencies,
Database, and Services
IGG Forensic Labs
Parabon NanoLabs is behind the investigative genealogy work that’s helped solve 230 violent crimes in the U.S. and Canada.
Forensic Genealogy utilizes traditional genealogy research with advanced DNA testing to help identify potential links to unknown profiles.
Othram uniquely offers in-house processing of evidence, from DNA extraction, enrichment, and repair, to sequencing and genealogy.
Astrea Forensics Provides DNA Sequencing Services to Cold Case Investigators. SNP Profiles from Rootless Hair and Highly Degraded Samples.
DNA Labs International was founded in 2004, and we have been providing service excellence for over fifteen years specializing in forensic DNA analysis for law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and government forensic labs. DNA Labs International is a private forensic DNA laboratory that is run by a mother-daughter team
Intermountain Forensics is a nonprofit Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory employing cutting edge molecular biology to cold cases.
Genealogy Database
GEDmatch is a free DNA comparison and analysis website for people who have tested their autosomal DNA using a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, such as Ancestry, 23andMe, FTDNA, or have a custom file from other sources.
Over 2 million people have tested with FamilyTreeDNA, resulting in the most comprehensive DNA matching database in the industry. GedMatch- Free database for comparisons of autosomal DNA data files from different testing companies. Used by law enforcement to identify suspects.
IGG Cases
Police Haven’t Said How They Cracked the Idaho Murders.
This Is How.
Investigators found suspect Bryan Kohberger with the method that solved the Golden State Killer case. But they aren’t saying so.
Clearfield police arrest alleged serial rapist with the use of a DNA database
With the help of a DNA database, the Clearfield Police Department arrested a man Wednesday they believe committed multiple aggravated sexual assaults in Utah and Wyoming between 1991 and 2001.
Suspect identified in cold murder cases of 2 California women
More than 30 years after two Orange County women were killed, the police have found the suspect using DNA evidence.
How police found the Golden State Killer's DNA
Disclaimer: Sherry Black Foundation is not affiliated with any group or website listed in this page.