Getting the Conclusive Lead with Investigative Genetic Genealogy – A Successful Case Study of a 16 Year Old Double Homicide in Sweden

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.