Forensic Genetic Genealogy… How does it work?
A couple of weeks ago, we posted an article on how forensic genetic genealogy helped to find a serial murderer in Phoenix, AZ. This week, we spoke with Colleen Fitzpatrick, an internationally recognized forensic genealogist to learn more about the process of genetic genealogy, and how it can be used to help solve future cases. […]
A Chance Reunion at ISHI
Written by: Karen Burkhartzmeyer, Promega Corporation It played out in front of a packed hotel ballroom of some 800 people at last year’s International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) in Minneapolis: the unexpected reunion between the survivor of a brutal serial rapist and the forensic analyst who found the DNA that led to […]
What Keeps You Coming Back to ISHI?
Learning about the newest technologies? Networking? Read below to see why our ISHI 27 speakers say they look forward to ISHI, then join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages to let us know what keeps you coming back! “This will be the first time I will be attending the ISHI conference. […]
Celebrate ISHI’s 30th Anniversary in Palm Springs!
2019 will mark the 30th anniversary of The International Symposium on Human Identification, and to celebrate, we’re going to a city where we’ve never been before – Palm Springs, California! For those who have never been to Palm Springs, you may want to plan a couple of extra days in this sunny, desert oasis. […]
Identification of a John Wayne Gacy Victim
In an interview from ISHI 24, Dixie Peters describes how the identity of a John Wayne Gacy victim is revealed after more than 30 years. TRANSCRIPT: My name is Dixie Peters, and I’m the Technical Leader of the Missing Persons Unit at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, […]
From Victim to Advocate
Julie Weil tells the horrifying story of how she was kidnapped and raped in front of her children, but through DNA evidence was able to put her attacker behind bars, find closure and begin to advocate for other victims. TRANSCRIPT: I guess my journey began October 16, 2002. I was actually […]
A Cold Case Review into the Mind of Serial Killer Joseph Naso
Dawn Romano of the Contra Costa County Crime Lab describes the case of serial killer Joseph Naso, and how he was brought to justice. TRANSCRIPT: My name is Dawn Romano. I’m the Forensic Supervisor and Technical Leader at the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Crime Lab. In 2010, Joseph […]
Re-Thinking International Missing Persons DNA Databases
Sara Katsanis of Duke University describes the challenges that exist in identifying international missing persons and the steps that can be taken to design an international system to improve communication channels across borders. TRANSCRIPT: I’m Sara Katsanis, and I’m an instructor at the Initiative for Science and Society at Duke […]
Advocating for Justice
Julie Weil describes how she became an advocate for sexual assault victims and the steps we can all take to help bring offenders to justice. TRANSCRIPT: As a survivor of sexual assault, I realized (after my perpetrator was locked up), I started reading the news again and watching TV and I […]
