Genetic Genealogy: Balancing Justice and Privacy Concerns
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Chapter 1: The Tragic Case of April Tinsley
In 1988, the tragic discovery of eight-year-old April Tinsley’s body in a ditch near Spencerville, Indiana, marked the beginning of a haunting mystery. She had been kidnapped, assaulted, and ultimately murdered.
For the next thirty years, her killer taunted law enforcement by leaving ominous notes that acknowledged his crimes and threatened future acts of violence, instilling fear in the community and leaving investigators disheartened.
The case remained unsolved, casting a shadow over the dedicated investigators who feared they might never achieve justice for April and her grieving family.
However, a breakthrough emerged three decades later when Indiana law enforcement enlisted the help of CeCe Moore, a genetic genealogist and consultant known for leveraging DNA evidence from crime scenes to identify suspects.
Moore utilized a DNA sample from April’s case, employing genetic genealogy to narrow down potential suspects to two brothers. The Fort Wayne Police Department diligently pursued Moore’s leads and ultimately matched the DNA to John D. Miller.
In late 2018, Miller was found guilty of April Tinsley’s rape and murder and sentenced to eighty years in prison. Remarkably, CeCe Moore solved this case without ever interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, or even leaving her home.
Section 1.1: Understanding Genetic Genealogy
Genetic genealogy merges DNA technology with traditional ancestry research. This innovative approach operates on the premise that by tracing lineage back through time, one can uncover hundreds or even thousands of relatives of an individual. This network of familial connections can then be leveraged to identify suspects in criminal investigations.
If you are curious about the scientific principles underpinning genetic genealogy, Parabon, a DNA technology firm collaborating with CeCe Moore, offers a wealth of information as they assist in solving criminal cases nationwide.
Section 1.2: A Shift in Criminal Investigations
CeCe Moore's groundbreaking work has been highlighted in ABC’s series The Genetic Detective, which showcases her process of using technology to track down criminals from her computer. As a devoted viewer, I have been captivated by her methods for identifying rapists, murderers, and other offenders with impressive efficiency.
This series represents a significant shift in the methodology of law enforcement. Previously, a suspect’s DNA had to be on record for them to be identified. Now, even if a suspect’s DNA is not directly available, police can utilize genetic databases like GEDMatch to identify potential relatives, allowing them to narrow down suspects.
An important milestone for genetic genealogy occurred with the capture of the Golden State Killer, who was responsible for 13 murders and numerous rapes in California during the 1970s and 80s. Thanks in large part to genetic genealogy, Joseph DeAngelo was apprehended and convicted. While his sentencing is expected to occur in August 2020, he is likely to face multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole.
DeAngelo’s case gained public attention following the release of Michelle McNamara’s book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which is also being adapted into a documentary series on HBO. McNamara dedicated years to gathering evidence and believed that genetic genealogy would ultimately lead to the killer’s capture, which it did.
Chapter 2: Privacy Concerns Surrounding Genetic Data
Despite the promising advances in crime-solving, the rise of genetic genealogy raises significant privacy concerns. While many individuals willingly share their genetic profiles to explore their heritage or identify potential health risks, others find the idea of their DNA being stored in a database accessible by various entities unsettling.
GEDMatch, a widely-used genetic database, recently modified its privacy policies. Users must now opt-in to allow investigators to access their genetic information for law enforcement purposes, theoretically giving them more control over how their data is utilized.
However, privacy remains a contentious issue. In November 2019, a Florida judge granted local law enforcement access to GEDMatch’s entire database for investigative use, effectively bypassing the new privacy measures.
As Natalie Ram articulates in Slate, law enforcement often feels compelled to push boundaries in their methods when confronted with distressing facts from a case. This raises the question: will investigators continue to cross ethical lines in their pursuit of justice?
As someone who supports the use of genetic genealogy, I have uploaded my DNA to 23andMe and would consent to GEDMatch using my information to help catch a potential criminal. Conversely, my husband staunchly defends the importance of privacy rights.
While I empathize with both perspectives, I believe that genetic genealogy exemplifies how technological advancements can aid in achieving justice.
What are your thoughts? Would you be comfortable having your DNA used to apprehend a criminal? I would love to hear your opinions in the comments!