The advancements in Touch DNA and DNA Analysis in a laboratory setting have gone hand-in-hand with the availability of home DNA tests and increasingly connected online DNA databases.
Sometime in 2020 or 2021, 90% of Americans of European descent will be identifiable via the DNA profile of their third cousins or closer (Most White Americans’ DNA Can Be Identified Through Genealogy Databases).
But sorting through these often complex relationships and establishing reliable identity is difficult.
https://dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4
Third cousins share an average of 74 cM of DNA with the individual we’re attempting to identify, but the actual range of shared DNA can be as little as 0 cM all the way up to 217 cM. This range of shared DNA would include relationships of second cousins, half second cousins, half first cousins once removed, etc, for a total of 19 different possible relationships.
https://dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4
Trying to sort through all of these various possibilities can be daunting and present a roadblock for law enforcement as they seek to identify violent offenders or unidentified victims.
A professional genetic genealogist can help break down such barriers, sort complex relationships, and narrow down persons of interest to a testable number, sometimes even just one or two individuals.
If you are law enforcement and looking for a genetic genealogist Mirador Genealogy is currently offering such services pro bono.
Email (miradorgenealogy@gmail.com) or call (720) 381 – 4115 to set up a consult today.