Home / Science / DNA Genealogy Cracks Cold Cases: 150+ Identified
DNA Genealogy Cracks Cold Cases: 150+ Identified
4 May
Summary
- Retired programmer Margaret Press pioneered using DNA genealogy for unidentified persons.
- The DNA Doe Project, co-founded with Colleen Fitzpatrick, has identified over 150 individuals since 2017.
- A documentary titled 'Naming the Dead' highlights the organization's success in solving cold cases.
A chance encounter with a detective novel sparked an innovative approach to solving cold cases. Margaret Press, a recently retired computer programmer, read Sue Grafton's 'Q is for Quarry,' which detailed a 1969 case of an unidentified young woman. This inspired Press to explore whether DNA genealogy tools, commonly used for tracing family trees, could identify the unknown dead.
Initially met with skepticism, Press's idea gained traction when she partnered with forensic genealogist Colleen Fitzpatrick. Their collaboration led to a breakthrough, proving the viability of their method. This success prompted numerous requests from law enforcement agencies across the country.
Together, they established the DNA Doe Project, a non-profit organization powered by dedicated volunteers. Since its inception in 2017, the DNA Doe Project has been instrumental in identifying over 150 unidentified individuals, providing answers and resolution to families and communities.
The significant impact and compelling nature of their work have been captured in a documentary titled 'Naming the Dead.' This film further sheds light on the crucial efforts to identify missing and unidentified persons.
