Case Examples

Question 1

Why did we discuss the Golden State Killer Case?

Answer 1

Best practices in forensic science are being developed all the time. The evidence we collect and store today may be critical in the future.

Question 2

What are the three phases of investigative genetic genealogy?

Answer 2

1. DNA Analysis
2. Genealogy
3. Investigation

Question 3

Outline the four steps in the DNA analysis phase of IGG.

Answer 3

1. Biological evidence collected at crime scene and sent to crime lab
2. Crime lab generates STR profile
3. STR profile searched through NDIS, no match obtained
4. Biological evidence outsourced to generate SNP profile

Question 4

Outline 5 steps in the genealogy phase of IGG.

Answer 4

5. SNP profile searched through genealogy database
6. Candidate matches with centimorgan values returned
7. Family tree constructed based on centimorgan values and genealogical data
8. Evaluate data to identify areas of overlap within family tree
9. Comparison to crime scene information develops suspects for direct sampling

Question 5

Outline the 4 steps in the investigation phase of IGG.

Answer 5

10. DNA samples obtained from family members and/or suspects
11. DNA samples analyzed at crime lab to develop STR profiles
12. Candidate STR profiles directly compared to STR profiles collected from scene
13. a) + = investigative leads
    b) - = elimination, further assessment for relatedness to additional family members

Question 6

List some advantages of public labs

Answer 6

Same quality of testing regardless of size of police organization
Uniformity and consistency of testing
Usually accredited/ensure funding for and commit to accreditation
Funding allocated to equipment, training, etc
Independence
Working for gov - job security, decent wages, pension, benefits

Question 7

List some advantages of private labs.

Answer 7

Can be faster
More flexible
Potential for higher quality
Potential for increased specialization

Question 8

List some disadvantages of public labs.

Answer 8

A lot of bureaucracy
Funding limitations
Flexibility issues

Question 9

List some disadvantages of private labs.

Answer 9

Less stable workforce
Is justice being served?
Data - is it being stored? Sold? Potential for hacking? What happens if business goes under?