San Andreas, CA…Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) has given Investigators a new tool for solving cold cases, identifying unidentified human remains, and locating or identifying missing persons.
The Calaveras Cold Case Team can attest to the power of FIGG and has successfully used this tool. Each of these cases was solved because relatives, whether close or very distant, had taken a consumer-level DNA test and loaded it into a law enforcement accessible database.
This tool becomes increasingly effective with each person who contributes to the database. Your participation can solve a case and bring closure to families.
Here’s how you can contribute:
Take a Direct-to-Consumer DNA Test. These tests are widely available for purchase, and the cost includes the test and the creation of your genetic profile. Once your genetic profile (DNA Data File) is available for download, you will need to upload it for free to an organization accessible for law enforcement purposes. A genetic profile is required to get started.
HERE’S HOW TO BEGIN:
Purchase a kit from one of the following companies:
Follow these instructions:
Provide a saliva sample and mail it back for analysis. No blood test is needed. You may choose your privacy settings on these sites, which have various options, including not being listed as a DNA match to other users of these sites.
Once you have your DNA results, download your DNA Data file. Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogists do not normally have access to the information contained in Ancestry.com or MyHeritage.com. Making your DNA available for solving cases requires additional steps.
UPLOAD YOUR DNA RESULTS INTO A LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCESSIBLE DATABASE
Upload your raw data to databases allowing law enforcement access to use it for investigations. Participation in these databases is free. Three primary databases are listed below.
• www.dnajustice.org Follow the instructions to upload your DNA. DNA Justice operates with the single purpose of using its database to assist in law enforcement investigations. The Calaveras Cold Case Task Force has partnered with DNA Justice to provide information on how your DNA could help solve a cold case. DNA Justice is available to answer your questions directly at info@dnajustice.org.
• www.FamilyTreeDNA.com Follow the upload instructions. IMPORTANT: You will need to” OPT IN” to the law enforcement database to help with investigations.
• www.GEDmatch.com Follow the upload instructions. IMPORTANT: GEDmatch may not require that you “OPT IN”; however, please check the options.
We recommend uploading your raw DNA file to all three databases for optimal case-solving!
CREATE A PUBLIC FAMILY TREE (OPTIONAL BUT VERY HELPFUL)
Creating a family tree on sites like Ancestry.com helps genealogists connect genetic matches to family histories. Make your tree public to ensure that others, including genealogists working with law enforcement, can view and utilize your family tree in investigations.
SPREAD AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO PARTICIPATE
The more people who contribute their DNA data, the more cases can be solved.
Share information about Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy with family, friends, and on social media.
Please encourage others to take DNA tests, upload their results, and create family trees. We recognize that sharing your DNA results is a personal decision. Everyone should always read the Terms of Service for all genealogy platforms and proceed only if they are comfortable doing so.
Cold Case victims are never forgotten, and the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force believes that every victim deserves justice. No person should become nameless in death.
REMEMBER:
If you believe you have information regarding a Cold Case Homicide or Missing Person, please contact:
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office
Main Line: 209-754-6500
Anonymous Tipline: 209-754-6030
For information regarding Calaveras County Cold Cases, please visit www.calaverascoldcase.org. To provide tips and information to the Calaveras Cold Case Task Force directly, please email: info@calaverascoldcase.org.
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What ever you do Anti, DO NOT give them a sample of DNA. You’ll be fingered for every dead sheep case in the county.
“Oh no, not Anti again……………………”
Said the penned in Sheep.