How Scared Should Hidden Killers Be of Genetic DNA Kits Outing Them?
Dec 01, 2023, 10:00 PM
Could a simple DNA test reveal secrets from the past that were thought to be buried forever? This question sets the stage for an intriguing episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, where host Tony Brueski delves into the world of forensic science with Professor Dan Krane. Their conversation uncovers the growing impact of familial DNA testing on solving cold cases, a topic that intertwines personal curiosity with potential legal repercussions.
Krane, a forensic scientist, sheds light on a growing phenomenon in law enforcement – the use of familial DNA from commercial ancestry tests to solve old crimes. He underscores a significant shift in how cold cases are approached, suggesting that individuals who thought they had eluded detection might now be at risk. "The very short answer to your question is yes," Krane asserts, emphasizing the increasing likelihood of crimes being linked to individuals through distant relatives' DNA.
The discussion reveals a startling statistic: 97% of the North American population has at least one second cousin in one of the genealogy databases. This extensive coverage means nearly everyone could potentially be under some form of 'genetic surveillance'. Krane explains how even a second cousin’s DNA in the database can cast a shadow of suspicion and initiate investigations into long-unsolved crimes.
Brueski probes further, questioning whether current systems automatically flag potential matches like CODIS, or if it still requires manual intervention by investigators. Krane clarifies that today’s process necessitates an investigator to revisit and retest old cases, especially since older DNA tests are not directly compatible with the SNP-based genealogy tests. However, retesting with modern SNP methods could be fruitful in shedding new light on old crimes.
In a lighter vein, Brueski humorously suggests gifting DNA kits to family members as a tactic to unearth any dark secrets. Krane plays along, humorously noting the reactions one might expect from a guilty relative. This exchange, while humorous, underscores a serious and evolving issue in forensic science and privacy.
The conversation between Brueski and Krane is not just a dialogue about technological advancements in DNA testing; it’s a reflection on how these advances impact society and the justice system. It opens up ethical questions about privacy and the implications of willingly submitting DNA to commercial databases. While the primary intent of these tests is to explore ancestry, their secondary use in criminal investigations creates a new dynamic in the realm of forensic science.
As Krane and Brueski conclude their discussion, the implications of their conversation linger. The rise of familial DNA testing presents a novel and powerful tool in solving crimes, but it also challenges our notions of privacy and consent.
In a world where a simple DNA test can unravel decades-old mysteries, how do we balance the pursuit of justice with the protection of individual privacy? This closing query leaves readers pondering the delicate balance between technological progress in forensic science and the ethical considerations that come with it.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Krane, a forensic scientist, sheds light on a growing phenomenon in law enforcement – the use of familial DNA from commercial ancestry tests to solve old crimes. He underscores a significant shift in how cold cases are approached, suggesting that individuals who thought they had eluded detection might now be at risk. "The very short answer to your question is yes," Krane asserts, emphasizing the increasing likelihood of crimes being linked to individuals through distant relatives' DNA.
The discussion reveals a startling statistic: 97% of the North American population has at least one second cousin in one of the genealogy databases. This extensive coverage means nearly everyone could potentially be under some form of 'genetic surveillance'. Krane explains how even a second cousin’s DNA in the database can cast a shadow of suspicion and initiate investigations into long-unsolved crimes.
Brueski probes further, questioning whether current systems automatically flag potential matches like CODIS, or if it still requires manual intervention by investigators. Krane clarifies that today’s process necessitates an investigator to revisit and retest old cases, especially since older DNA tests are not directly compatible with the SNP-based genealogy tests. However, retesting with modern SNP methods could be fruitful in shedding new light on old crimes.
In a lighter vein, Brueski humorously suggests gifting DNA kits to family members as a tactic to unearth any dark secrets. Krane plays along, humorously noting the reactions one might expect from a guilty relative. This exchange, while humorous, underscores a serious and evolving issue in forensic science and privacy.
The conversation between Brueski and Krane is not just a dialogue about technological advancements in DNA testing; it’s a reflection on how these advances impact society and the justice system. It opens up ethical questions about privacy and the implications of willingly submitting DNA to commercial databases. While the primary intent of these tests is to explore ancestry, their secondary use in criminal investigations creates a new dynamic in the realm of forensic science.
As Krane and Brueski conclude their discussion, the implications of their conversation linger. The rise of familial DNA testing presents a novel and powerful tool in solving crimes, but it also challenges our notions of privacy and consent.
In a world where a simple DNA test can unravel decades-old mysteries, how do we balance the pursuit of justice with the protection of individual privacy? This closing query leaves readers pondering the delicate balance between technological progress in forensic science and the ethical considerations that come with it.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com