All articles tagged with #forensic genetic genealogy
A 15-year-old Fresno girl, Michelle Collier, disappeared in 1978 and was found buried in a California vineyard as 'Arvin Jane Doe.' In 2025, forensic genetic genealogy and DNA testing identified her, giving the family closure; her remains were moved for burial in 2026, while investigators say the homicide investigation continues with no publicly released suspect information.
Almost 20 years after remains were found on a Taholah beach, investigators confirmed they belonged to Clarence Edwin 'Ed' Asher, a former Fossil, Oregon mayor who disappeared while crabbing in 2006, using DNA analysis and genetic genealogy.
Decades after a 1984 murder and sexual assault in California, authorities used DNA evidence and forensic genetic genealogy to identify and arrest Roger Neil Schmidt Sr. in Tucson, Arizona, bringing closure to the case.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have identified a murder victim, known as Sahara Sue Doe for over 44 years, as Gwenn Marie Story. Story's body was found in 1979 near the El Rancho Vegas Hotel and Casino, and her death was ruled a homicide. After years of investigation, forensic genetic genealogy helped detectives identify her and contact her family. The case remains open as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and urge anyone with information to come forward.
The remains of a woman found buried under rocks in rural Nevada in 1997 have been identified using forensic genetic genealogy, providing the "first lead in over 20 years" in the cold case. The woman has been identified as Lorena Gayle Mosley, also known as Lorena Gayle Sherwood. The cause of death could not be determined, but it was deemed a homicide. The identification was made possible through new technology and the assistance of Othram, Inc. and the FBI. The sheriff's office is continuing to investigate Mosley's death.
Authorities have identified the body of a woman found buried in rural Nevada over 26 years ago as Lorena Gayle Mosley. The cause of her death could not be determined due to severe decomposition, but it has been classified as a homicide. Using forensic genetic genealogy, her DNA profile was compared to other profiles in consumer genealogical databases, and her identity was confirmed through old paper fingerprint records. Mosley's next of kin has been notified, and the medical examiner's office is now focusing on solving another cold case from 1984.
Investigators used DNA evidence and forensic genetic genealogy to track down the killer of Sarah Yarborough, a 16-year-old girl who was murdered in 1991. After years of searching, they identified two possible suspects, brothers Edward and Patrick Nicholas, who were descendants of a man named Robert Fuller. Undercover detectives obtained a surreptitious DNA sample from Patrick Nicholas, which matched the DNA found at the crime scene. Nicholas was arrested and charged with the murder, and in 2023, he was found guilty and sentenced to almost 46 years in prison.
The 1991 murder of Sarah Yarborough in Washington remained unsolved for 28 years until investigators used forensic genetic genealogy to identify Patrick Nicholas as a suspect. Nicholas had a history of attacking women and had been released early from prison after serving only three-and-a-half years for attempting to rape Anne Croney. Croney, who narrowly escaped Nicholas' attack, believes that if he had served his full sentence, he would have been behind bars and unable to murder Sarah. The case highlights concerns about the failure of the criminal justice system in releasing dangerous offenders early.