Cold Case Inquiries Stall After Ancestry.com Revisits Policy for Users
David Gurney, the head of Ramapo College’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in New Jersey, has voiced significant concerns regarding the recent loss of access to Ancestry.com, a vital tool for genealogical research and forensic investigations. This setback comes at a time when the center is increasingly relied upon to assist law enforcement agencies in solving cold cases and identifying unknown victims through DNA analysis. Gurney emphasized that Ancestry’s extensive database, which contains millions of family trees and genetic profiles, is instrumental in building connections that can lead to breakthroughs in investigations. The center has successfully utilized this resource in the past, helping to resolve cases that had remained unsolved for decades.
The impact of losing access to Ancestry is profound, as Gurney explained that the platform not only aids in identifying potential relatives of unidentified individuals but also helps in constructing familial links that are crucial for solving crimes. For instance, the center has previously leveraged Ancestry’s resources to connect DNA samples from crime scenes to living relatives, enabling law enforcement to track down suspects or identify victims. Without this access, Gurney and his team face significant challenges in their investigative efforts, potentially delaying justice for families seeking closure. The situation highlights a broader issue within the field of investigative genetic genealogy, where access to databases can directly influence the efficacy and speed of solving cases. As the landscape of genetic research continues to evolve, the need for collaboration between genealogical services and law enforcement becomes increasingly clear, underscoring the importance of maintaining access to these critical resources.
David Gurney, head of Ramapo College’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in New Jersey, said losing access to Ancestry had hindered crucial work.
