The Identification of Suspected Vampire “JB55”
Travis chats with Ellen Greytak, the director of Bioinformatics, of Parabon NanonLabs who describes the identification of “JB55” who had died in the 1800’s. Unlike other burials of that time in the area, his skull and femurs were neatly arranged in the shape of a skull and crossbones, leading archaeologists to conclude that the man […]
The Science of Justice: Ghana’s First Serial Killer Case Solved Through DNA
In an exclusive interview at ISHI 34, we sit down with Dr. Kofi Afrifah, a seasoned forensic scientist with 12 years of experience, to discuss a groundbreaking case from his home country, Ghana. Dr. Afrifah introduces us to the chilling yet fascinating case of Ghana’s first serial killer, a case that not only captivated the […]
From Grave to Gene: Uncovering George Washington’s Lineage at Harewood Cemetery
Join us in this fascinating interview with Courtney Cavagnino at ISHI 34, where she delves into her intriguing research focused on a unique set of remains discovered at Harewood Cemetery in Charlestown, West Virginia. An excavation, which began in 1999, was initially aimed at locating the unmarked grave of Samuel Washington, but led to an […]
The Almost Perfect 7 Million Dollar Robbery
In September 2018, an elderly, wealthy local businessman was kidnapped early one morning by a group of masked assailants outside one of his stores. The attackers beat him, tied him up, put him in his own car, and drove to his house without asking for directions. The attackers knew personal details about him and his […]
DNA and Fingerprints Don’t Fear Bombs
Today’s guest blog is written by Dr. Gianluca Margiotta, Carabinieri Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche di Parma I work as a biologist/DNA analyst with my team leader Nicola Staiti in the scientific investigations department – biology unit in the Carabinieri in Parma, Italy (R.I.S. Carabinieri di Parma). In my department, we analyze samples coming from crime […]
The Wrongful Conviction of Lydell Grant for Murder in Texas: A Cautionary Tale of Faulty Eyewitness Identification and the Perils of “Inconclusive” DNA Mixture Statements
Today’s blog is written by guest blogger, Angie Ambers, MA, MS, PhD (Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science) and Mike Ware, JD (Innocence Project of Texas). Reposted from The ISHI Report with permission. Shortly before midnight on December 10, 2010 (a Friday night), patrons of Club Blur (a bar in the Montrose district […]
Forensic Genetic Investigation of Two Adult Male Skeletons Recovered from the 17th Century La Belle Shipwreck using Massively Parallel Sequencing
Today’s blog is written by Angie Ambers, Ph.D., Assistant Director at Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science. Read the full version in the November 2020 issue of The ISHI Report. Born in 1643, the French explorer Robert Cavalier (Sieur de La Salle) is best known for leading an expedition from the Great Lakes […]
Exploring the Genomes of the Medieval Royal House of Aragon
Today’s blog is written by Rachel Kieser1, PhD. Co-authors on the project include Magdalena M. Buś,1 Begoña Martínez-Jarreta,2 Bruce Budowle1 1Center for Human Identification, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107 2Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Zaragoza, Domingo Miral S/N, Zaragoza E50009, Spain Reposted from […]
Toilet Paper: The Newest Tool in the Fight Against Crime
In July of 2009, the bodies of 43-year-old Alan Grna and his 85-year-old mother Julianna were discovered in their Ohio home—both victims of a violent assault. The lead detective in the case called in the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) to collect evidence from the crime scene, evidence that would lead them […]
