**This class will be taught In-Person**
This course explores how modern DNA technology and family history research are used to identify suspects in long-unsolved crimes, such as the Golden State Killer case (and others). Students will learn how family relationships are identified through shared DNA, and steps of a FIGG investigation, and will apply these principles to solve cases. No science background is required.
Week by Week Outline:
Week 1
• Introductions
• Criminal identification methods prior to 1985
-Fingerprints, serology, hair microscopy*, bite marks*, witness accounts
• 1985: Alec Jeffreys and DNA, Linda Mann & Dawn Ashworth cases
Week 2
• DNA 101, forensic uses of DNA, CoDIS, probability
Determining paternity exercise
• Matching crime scene DNA with one person vs. familial/partial matching
-Legal requirements of partial matching
-Grim Sleeper Case
Week 3
• Introduction to forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FGG/IGG/FIGG)
-Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick (2005), DNA Doe Project (2017)
-Popularity of DNA testing and genealogy, from hobby → investigative tool
▪ 23 & Me, Ancestry, My Heritage
-Process of FIGG: DNA→ identify relative → determine degree of relatedness → determine common ancestor → build family tree up and back down → consider age and location → LE surveil and collect discarded DNA sample → test
• Degrees of relatedness
-Family tree
-Degrees of relatedness exercise
Week 4
• Cold cases: What makes a case go “cold”?
-Technology limitations, stranger crimes, no witnesses → lack of suspects
-Famous cold cases that have been solved using FGG
▪ GSK, Washington
• Let’s solve a case together
-The Parkview Assault Case
Week 5
• Now you solve some cases…
-The Cedar Lane Homicide
-The Willow Creek Burglary-Murder
-The Lakeside Park Homicide
-The Redwood Highway Assault
-The Brookfield Homicide
Week 6 (last class)
• Questions to consider (discussion)
-FIGG and privacy issues
▪ Should LE be permitted to search genealogy databases?
• Does your opinion change depending on the crime?
• Would you personally opt in or out?
▪ Should LE be permitted to collect DNA of arrestees?
▪ Does a genealogy search violate the 4th Amendment?
▪ Do we have a right to genetic privacy?
• Takeaways:
-Science evolves, cases can be reopened, small clues matter, justice can take time o FS has limits
-DNA does not prove guilt
