Investigative and policy impacts of forensic genetic genealogy in the identification of human remains.

ABSTRACT: The identification of unidentified human remains (UHRs) is a humanitarian imperative and a critical step in many criminal investigations. Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) combines dense single nucleotide polymorphism testing with genealogical research to attempt to overcome the limitations of traditional forensic methods, particularly in cases involving degraded DNA or lacking reference samples. This study presents a retrospective analysis of 477 UHR cases from North America, all of which resulted in successful identifications. For each case, publicly reported data were analyzed to evaluate pre- and post-identification variables, including biological sex determination, manner of death classifications and case resolution status. Of note, FGG led to a change in manner of death from undetermi

SUBMITTER: Lasyone C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12719697 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature