Genealogist explains how DNA profiles are helping solve cold cases

At a time where some people are trying to find more about themselves, they might not realize, the information they’re giving might lead police to their front door.

The number of people seeking DNA testing that gives them an idea of their ancestry is increasing, but in some cases, it’s also giving information to police on cold cases.

On Tuesday, 72-year-old James Neal was arrested in Monument for the alleged murder of 11-year-old Linda O’Keefe who went missing and was later found dead in 1973.

California investigators revealed they connected Neal to the case with a DNA profile. It wasn’t immediately clear if he took the test or one of his family members did.

KRDO sat down with a local genealogist, Greg Liverman who says this type of crime-fighting is becoming more common.

“What’s happening is we’re putting these kits that come from crime scene DNA’s in there and then those are being matched to the kits of living folks and that’s how they’re able to get back to a common ancestor,” Liverman says.

DNA profiles also helped police find and arrest the Golden State Killer back in April of 2018. Liverman explains, the more people who submit their DNA, the easier it is for law enforcement to narrow down a suspect pool.

He says, “in reality in today’s world with the internet with databases, with DNA technology, at some point in time it’s going to come out.”

In light of recent cases, some companies are reviewing their policies on sharing information. Liverman says, “I think each company is going to make a decision based on who their customers are, based on value sets on you know of allowing law enforcement to use something versus perceived privacy.”

Not all DNA databases share information with law enforcement, but Liverman says it is important for any customer to read the fine print before taking the test.