The following is the first couple paragraphs of a news release for Parabon NanoLabs posted May 23, 2018 at PoliceOne.com. Read the full article and check out Parabon’s website for more info.
May 23, 2018 – Forensic DNA samples screened for nearly 100 agencies and hits abound
Reston, VA. — Parabon NanoLabs (Parabon) announced today the general availability of its Snapshot Genetic Genealogy Service, which provides investigators a revolutionary new tool for solving crimes with evidence from an unknown DNA sample. The company’s new genetic genealogy (GG) unit is led by CeCe Moore, a pioneer in the field, best known for her work on the PBS television series Finding Your Roots. Parabon’s GG analysts compare crime scene DNA samples against public genetic genealogy databases to narrow down a suspect list to a region, a family, or even an individual. The approach is the same as that used by law enforcement to identify the Golden State Killer suspect Joseph James DeAngelo.
The company has been piloting the service and has already screened samples for nearly 100 agencies. Parabon’s CEO, Dr. Steven Armentrout, says the results so far have exceeded all expectations. “Of the cases we have screened, 20% look to be directly solvable with GG methods alone and another 30% are likely solvable in partnership with law enforcement.” He continued, “In the past week alone, while working two unrelated homicide investigations, each unsolved for over 30 years, we were able to provide investigators with the likely name of the perpetrator. For detectives, this is an absolute game changer.”
