The Idaho student homicides and forensic genetics

DNA analysis of blood on a knife sheath helped lead to the arrest of accused murderer Bryan Kohberger in the homicide of four University of Idaho students. The leading role forensic genetics, familial DNA searching, and forensic genetic genealogy is playing in solving crimes is examined in a comprehensive article in the peer-reviewed journal Forensic Genomics.  Click here to read the article now.

In the article titled “The Idaho Student Homicides and the Future of Forensic Genetic Genealogy,” Forensic Genomics Editor-in-Chief Nicole M.M. Novroski, PhD, from the University of Toronto, describes the gold standard in forensic genetics, which involves DNA typing of short tandem repeats (STRs), which are human genetic markers that exist throughout the genome and can be used for human identification. She also describes familial DNA searching, another forensic tool that may be used to find relatives of an unknown person by searching a database of DNA profiles. 

Forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) is an emerging forensic tool being used to solve both active and cold (inactive) case investigations. FGG is the use of DNA analysis combined with traditional genealogy research to generate investigative leads for unsolved crimes. “I believe that we will continue to see an increase in solved case(s) and/or the development of additional investigative lead(s) because of genealogical use in both police and forensic casework,” states Dr. Novroski. 

About the Journal
Forensic Genomics is a new peer-reviewed journal that addresses how advances in genetic testing and genomic analysis can enable investigators to break through previously impenetrable forensic DNA barriers. Led by Editor-in-Chief Nicole M.M. Novroski, PhD, from the Forensic Science Program, Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, the Journal focuses on the use of DNA testing technologies, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and genealogical research methods to support human identification using inference tools and inductive reasoning. Forensic Genomics aims to accelerate the validation and adoption of new methods to support investigations that would be otherwise stalled with traditional testing methods. For complete information, visit the Forensic Genomics website.

About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a global media company dedicated to creating, curating, and delivering impactful peer-reviewed research and authoritative content services to advance the fields of biotechnology and the life sciences, specialized clinical medicine, and public health and policy. For complete information, please visit the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.