Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) has emerged as a new forensic tool in order to get leads in cold criminal investigations and in cases of missing person identification. Although IGG has shown to give conclusive information in a number of high profile cases, its usage has raised a number of ethical, legal and technical concerns. In order to evaluate its suitability and examine its compliance with current Swedish laws, a pilot study was initiated in Sweden. A cold case, a 16 year old double homicide, was selected and samples from the crime scene were analyzed. Genome wide SNP profiles were established using whole-genome sequencing and dedicated bioinformatics, with a forensic focus. Searches for relatives were performed in the GEDmatch and the FamilyTree DNA databases which rendered hit lists that were further processed using traditional genealogy methods, ultimately resulting in candidate individuals. In this presentation we will briefly describe the work performed and experiences gained from this case. This will include legal aspects, DNA analysis methods and genealogy work, all from a law enforcement point of view.
Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) has emerged as a new forensic tool in order to get leads in cold criminal investigations and in cases of missing person identification. Although IGG has shown to give conclusive information in a number of high profile cases, its usage has raised a number of ethical, legal and technical concerns. In order to evaluate its suitability and examine its compliance with current Swedish laws, a pilot study was initiated in Sweden. A cold case, a 16 year old double homicide, was selected and samples from the crime scene were analyzed. Genome wide SNP profiles were established using whole-genome sequencing and dedicated bioinformatics, with a forensic focus. Searches for relatives were performed in the GEDmatch and the FamilyTree DNA databases which rendered hit lists that were further processed using traditional genealogy methods, ultimately resulting in candidate individuals. In this presentation we will briefly describe the work performed and experiences gained from this case. This will include legal aspects, DNA analysis methods and genealogy work, all from a law enforcement point of view.
Workshop currently at capacity. A waitlist is available to join on our registration page.
Forensic Expert, Biology Unit, Swedish National Forensic Centre
Siri A. Fagerholm, PhD, is a forensic expert and reporting officer at the Biology unit of the Swedish National Forensic Centre (NFC) where she works with biological traces from crime scenes and DNA analysis.
Associate Professor of Forensic Genetics, Linköping University, Sweden
Andreas Tillmar, PhD, works as a forensic geneticist at the Nation Board of Forensic Medicine, Sweden (80%) and as a senior lecturer and associated professor of forensic genetics at Linköping University, Sweden (20%). He is well experienced from working over 15 years in the field.
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