...Solution for Criminal Investigators?
by Selene Gonzalez
We have all heard of popular genealogy testing companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com giving the common consumer a glimpse into their past and possible inherited health issues. So, how does this all work? There are different types of genetic genealogy—those of which are mtDNA, Y-DNA, and autosomal. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the genetic material that is inherited from the mother, and to trace inherited DNA from the father Y-chromosomes are tested (Y-DNA). And finally, there is autosomal DNA, which was the technique used to solve the Golden State Killer case. Autosomal DNA maps both DNA code and genome of a person, where 99.6-99.8 percent of it is identical, but 12.5 percent of anyone’s inherited genetic material comes from great-grandparents, essentially making simple for a consumer to find familial DNA matches easier.
The Positives
As mentioned previously, autosomal DNA was used to catch the Golden State Killer who was responsible for at least 13 murders, more than 50 rapes, and over 100 burglaries. The Golden State Killer never submitted his saliva to 23andMe, or other similar companies, but some of his distant relatives had. And because they had—and with the aid of autosomal DNA—genealogist was able to map his family tree backwards until they zeroed in on one suspect. Then criminal investigators waited for Joseph James DeAngelo to dispose of some trash with his saliva on it and tested it. It was a match.
The potential of solving cases using consumer genealogical DNA is immense. The Golden State Killer had been living free for 32 years before he was arrested. Therefore, the use of genealogical DNA to help solve violent cases that have gone cold for decades is an alluring tool for criminal investigators.
The Negatives
This is where things get tricky. Privacy. Something that we all want to protect, but still seem to easily give it up whenever we download a new app to our smartphones. Social media apps are the main culprit behind our ever decreasing “privacy” parameters.
Suffice it to say that the capture and arrest of DeAngelo was brought about by using consumer DNA testing material people had submitted to find ancestors, and their uploaded DNA profiles were used without their knowledge. Although at the time the website investigators used (GEDmatch) had not placed restrictions on how their members DNA profiles could be used. But why would there be restrictions if the site was never intended to help solve violent crimes. After the Golden State Killer’s arrest made headline news, GEDmatch updated restrictions and uses of their member's profiles to exclude investigators from using those profiles. Members were given the option to allow their profiles to be reviewed for criminal cases if they so desired.
Reflection
Now the question is should more people who have profiled their genealogical DNA be urged to make their profiles accessible for review against violent criminal cases, or not? What would that access lead to? How can people who have genealogical DNA profiles online –and those who are thinking about submitting samples—how are these people going to be protected against misuse of their personal DNA? The ethical and privacy issues regarding consumer DNA access to be used as an investigative tool to help solve criminal cases is a very tangled web of “what ifs.”
The potential is great, as was seen with the Golden State Killer case, but the repercussions are scary and unknown. In theory, it’s a great tool when your personal genealogical DNA isn’t on the line.
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