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American Press
02-08-2025
- American Press
DNA Doe Project helping crack cold cases of unidentified John and Jane Does
More than 50,000 bodies remain unidentified — unmourned, unnamed, but not forgotten — across the country. Jennifer Randolph plans to change that. Randolph is the director of the nonprofit group DNA Doe Project, which uses genetic genealogy to help law enforcement crack the their most confounding cold cases of unidentified John and Jane Does. Their efforts have been documented in the new six-part investigative series 'Naming The Dead,' which premieres today on National Geographic's channel and streaming service. Through distant DNA matches, historic census reports and sheer determination, the group of 80 volunteers aims to give these victims a name and a chance at justice. 'Genealogy sort of started out as a hobby for me. I have scientific training in terms of my occupation so getting into this specific area of applying genealogy to these kinds of cases really married that science background with my fascination with genealogy,' said Randolph, who has degrees in anthropology and epidemiology. 'It ended up being a perfect melding of all my interests.' Randolph said the DNA Doe Project accepts cases from law enforcement agencies or medical examiners when other identification methods have been exhausted. As part of the process, DNA is extracted from the remains and sequenced into a digital format that can be used for comparison to other living relatives. That sequence is then uploaded to databases such as GEDmatch and the search begins. If matches are found, the project's volunteers build family trees based on the shared DNA segments, tracing back to common ancestors then narrowing down the list of names until a potential match can be made. Once that match is identified, law enforcement verifies the identity through DNA samples from immediate family members. Randolph said the process is a gripping testament to the power of identity and the people who refuse to let the lost be forgotten. 'Our mission really resonates with our volunteers, who are all genetic genealogists,' Randolph said. 'I would say that many of our genealogists love, well, genealogy of course, but also puzzles and mysteries because you're trying to solve this logic puzzle in a way. I think that kind of challenge is very attractive to them. There's also the ability to restore names to these individuals, give them their dignity back and provide answers to their families, as well.' Randolph said her team does not pick and choose their cases. 'We've been fortunate enough that we have been able to mostly take on any case that comes to us, although with the greater popularity of this technique, the more and more agencies that see how successful it is, our funding has now been outstripped by demand,' Randolph told the American Press through Zoom. 'Sometimes agencies have to wait awhile until we have adequate funds to work their case going through the lab.' DNA Doe Project is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that is funded by donations. 'The more funding we get, the more cases we can take on,' Randolph said. 'We're really hoping this show will be an opportunity to showcase our work and maybe an interest among people who might be donors.' Randolph said some cases have been solved within an hour or two and others have taken as long as five years. 'For the family of the Doe that we're identifying, that's going to be the most important case we ever do,' she said. 'We care about every case. We give 100 percent effort, but there are some cases where we might have some sort of personal connection — whether it be geography or life circumstance — that really resonate with us because we feel we can identify with them. 'For me, the cases that stick with me the most are those cases when we identify someone — usually a female — and we find out that they had children who grew up thinking their mom abandoned them because they did not care only to discover that they were not abandoned and in fact their mother was taken away from them,' she said. 'I just imagine that it is so difficult to put your head around this idea that your mom left and then to suddenly realize no that's not what happened and have to readjust everything. I really feel for those kids, even as adults.' Randolph said the DNA Doe Project has helped solve one Louisiana case so far and two cases are going to be 'up and coming.' If people want to help, Randolph said they can take direct-to-consumer tests like AncestryDNA and 23andMe, download their profile and then upload it to databases the DNA Doe Project is allowed to use — GEDMatch, FamilyTreeDNA and DNA Justice. 'These are very personal decisions so people should always read the terms of service and understand how their information is going to be used before they make this decision, but if they are willing that can definitely help us,' she said. 'They might be that match that we're waiting for to blow a case open.' Randolph said it's the families of the unidentified individuals who fuel her passion. 'I just imagine what it must be like in their shoes,' she said. 'Many of them are going decades without knowing. It's this ambiguous loss; they don't know if their loved one is still living, if they passed away, do they just not care to maintain a relationship. It's a very difficult position to be in and your mind can go in a million different directions.' Randolph said while her team cannot give families the answers they hope for because the organization deals with those who are deceased, they can offer them a resolution. 'I won't say closure because I don't think it's that, but it is a resolution so that they can truly process their loss because now they understand what it is and they can grieve appropriately,' she said. 'In many cases, the remains can be returned so they can bury their loved one as they would want to. It's not the news they want, but at least it's something. These individuals who are identified mattered, they deserve to not just disappear. We want their names recorded and their lives recorded.'
South Wales Argus
01-07-2025
- Science
- South Wales Argus
Remains of British man identified 12 years after death thanks to new technology
Michael Hill, 75, died in February 2013 whilst visiting a friend in the United States. Having gone to his friend's home with no belongings other than his clothes, and without close relatives to identify him, Mr Hill remained known as the 'Maricopa County John Doe 2013' for more than a decade after his death. But researchers from the UK and US managed to restore Mr Hill's identity using a new method called Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), which combines DNA analysis with genealogical searches – making him the first UK citizen to be identified through this technique. The solving of Mr Hill's case has been hailed as 'a historic milestone' which could pave the way for a wider use of IGG tools in the UK, potentially leading to more unsolved cases being closed. Dr Craig Paterson, who led the work from Sheffield Hallam University, said: 'It is a privilege to see the team solve this case and to restore Michael's name and identity. 'This case proves that IGG can be used in the UK to identify distant relatives and generate leads in cases that have remained unsolved using other investigative techniques. 'There are lots more unsolved cases in the UK where IGG can be used and we will continue to work with our partners and students to ensure that as many cases as possible benefit from this expertise.' The technology can help investigators identify distant relatives of a subject, whereas regular DNA testing usually identifies close family members, Dr Paterson explained. It relies on the millions of members of the public who have taken consumer DNA tests and carried out genetic genealogical searches on platforms such as FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch, said David Gurney, director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre at Ramapo College in New Jersey. The investigation of Mr Hill's case was led by researchers and students from Sheffield Hallam University, the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre, and Silverwell Research in London. The team gathered information the police and coroner's officer in Arizona held about Mr Hill, and the team found that Mr Hill had left his friend's house on the day he died, and returned four hours later complaining that he did not feel well. He laid down in a guest bedroom but a short time after began to convulse and went unresponsive. The friend called 911 and emergency service personnel responded to the scene and death was pronounced at that location. The friend Mr Hill visited in the Phoenix area provided a name, Michael Sydney Hill, and date of birth to the authorities. But this information alone could not be used to confirm Hill's identity. Traditional means of identification employed by Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (MCOME) also did not yield a positive result. There was no identification on his person, and he had no siblings, children, or close relatives to contact and provide a positive identification. 'He was still connected to parts of the family – but there was just a loss of contact,' Dr Paterson said. 'It happens a lot more than you would think.' The case remained cold for more than a decade until the team managed to trace a distant cousin of Mr Hill using DNA taken from his body, combined with genealogical analysis. The relative provided a DNA test and Michael Hill's identity was finally confirmed. 'He was born in 1937 so finding a living relative was difficult,' Dr Paterson said. 'We are happy that there was closure. 'That's the aim – it's to take away that uncertainty.' IGG technology has been mainly used in the United States, Canada, and Australia – but researchers hope to increase its use in the UK. Cairenn Binder, director of the IGG Certificate Programme at Ramapo College, said: 'Investigative genetic genealogy was integral to solving the case of Mr Hill because as an unidentified person with only a lead on a possible name and no next of kin, genetic genealogy research was required to restore his identity. 'Advanced DNA testing and shared DNA with his distant relatives allowed investigators to confirm his identity and memorialize him after more than twelve years as a John Doe. 'This case is a historic milestone for the implementation of IGG in the UK, as Mr Hill is the first UK citizen to be identified with IGG research.'
South Wales Guardian
01-07-2025
- Science
- South Wales Guardian
Remains of British man identified 12 years after death thanks to new technology
Michael Hill, 75, died in February 2013 whilst visiting a friend in the United States. Having gone to his friend's home with no belongings other than his clothes, and without close relatives to identify him, Mr Hill remained known as the 'Maricopa County John Doe 2013' for more than a decade after his death. But researchers from the UK and US managed to restore Mr Hill's identity using a new method called Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), which combines DNA analysis with genealogical searches – making him the first UK citizen to be identified through this technique. The solving of Mr Hill's case has been hailed as 'a historic milestone' which could pave the way for a wider use of IGG tools in the UK, potentially leading to more unsolved cases being closed. Dr Craig Paterson, who led the work from Sheffield Hallam University, said: 'It is a privilege to see the team solve this case and to restore Michael's name and identity. 'This case proves that IGG can be used in the UK to identify distant relatives and generate leads in cases that have remained unsolved using other investigative techniques. 'There are lots more unsolved cases in the UK where IGG can be used and we will continue to work with our partners and students to ensure that as many cases as possible benefit from this expertise.' The technology can help investigators identify distant relatives of a subject, whereas regular DNA testing usually identifies close family members, Dr Paterson explained. It relies on the millions of members of the public who have taken consumer DNA tests and carried out genetic genealogical searches on platforms such as FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch, said David Gurney, director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre at Ramapo College in New Jersey. The investigation of Mr Hill's case was led by researchers and students from Sheffield Hallam University, the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre, and Silverwell Research in London. The team gathered information the police and coroner's officer in Arizona held about Mr Hill, and the team found that Mr Hill had left his friend's house on the day he died, and returned four hours later complaining that he did not feel well. He laid down in a guest bedroom but a short time after began to convulse and went unresponsive. The friend called 911 and emergency service personnel responded to the scene and death was pronounced at that location. The friend Mr Hill visited in the Phoenix area provided a name, Michael Sydney Hill, and date of birth to the authorities. But this information alone could not be used to confirm Hill's identity. Traditional means of identification employed by Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (MCOME) also did not yield a positive result. There was no identification on his person, and he had no siblings, children, or close relatives to contact and provide a positive identification. 'He was still connected to parts of the family – but there was just a loss of contact,' Dr Paterson said. 'It happens a lot more than you would think.' The case remained cold for more than a decade until the team managed to trace a distant cousin of Mr Hill using DNA taken from his body, combined with genealogical analysis. The relative provided a DNA test and Michael Hill's identity was finally confirmed. 'He was born in 1937 so finding a living relative was difficult,' Dr Paterson said. 'We are happy that there was closure. 'That's the aim – it's to take away that uncertainty.' IGG technology has been mainly used in the United States, Canada, and Australia – but researchers hope to increase its use in the UK. Cairenn Binder, director of the IGG Certificate Programme at Ramapo College, said: 'Investigative genetic genealogy was integral to solving the case of Mr Hill because as an unidentified person with only a lead on a possible name and no next of kin, genetic genealogy research was required to restore his identity. 'Advanced DNA testing and shared DNA with his distant relatives allowed investigators to confirm his identity and memorialize him after more than twelve years as a John Doe. 'This case is a historic milestone for the implementation of IGG in the UK, as Mr Hill is the first UK citizen to be identified with IGG research.'
Rhyl Journal
01-07-2025
- Science
- Rhyl Journal
Remains of British man identified 12 years after death thanks to new technology
Michael Hill, 75, died in February 2013 whilst visiting a friend in the United States. Having gone to his friend's home with no belongings other than his clothes, and without close relatives to identify him, Mr Hill remained known as the 'Maricopa County John Doe 2013' for more than a decade after his death. But researchers from the UK and US managed to restore Mr Hill's identity using a new method called Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), which combines DNA analysis with genealogical searches – making him the first UK citizen to be identified through this technique. The solving of Mr Hill's case has been hailed as 'a historic milestone' which could pave the way for a wider use of IGG tools in the UK, potentially leading to more unsolved cases being closed. Dr Craig Paterson, who led the work from Sheffield Hallam University, said: 'It is a privilege to see the team solve this case and to restore Michael's name and identity. 'This case proves that IGG can be used in the UK to identify distant relatives and generate leads in cases that have remained unsolved using other investigative techniques. 'There are lots more unsolved cases in the UK where IGG can be used and we will continue to work with our partners and students to ensure that as many cases as possible benefit from this expertise.' The technology can help investigators identify distant relatives of a subject, whereas regular DNA testing usually identifies close family members, Dr Paterson explained. It relies on the millions of members of the public who have taken consumer DNA tests and carried out genetic genealogical searches on platforms such as FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch, said David Gurney, director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre at Ramapo College in New Jersey. The investigation of Mr Hill's case was led by researchers and students from Sheffield Hallam University, the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre, and Silverwell Research in London. The team gathered information the police and coroner's officer in Arizona held about Mr Hill, and the team found that Mr Hill had left his friend's house on the day he died, and returned four hours later complaining that he did not feel well. He laid down in a guest bedroom but a short time after began to convulse and went unresponsive. The friend called 911 and emergency service personnel responded to the scene and death was pronounced at that location. The friend Mr Hill visited in the Phoenix area provided a name, Michael Sydney Hill, and date of birth to the authorities. But this information alone could not be used to confirm Hill's identity. Traditional means of identification employed by Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (MCOME) also did not yield a positive result. There was no identification on his person, and he had no siblings, children, or close relatives to contact and provide a positive identification. 'He was still connected to parts of the family – but there was just a loss of contact,' Dr Paterson said. 'It happens a lot more than you would think.' The case remained cold for more than a decade until the team managed to trace a distant cousin of Mr Hill using DNA taken from his body, combined with genealogical analysis. The relative provided a DNA test and Michael Hill's identity was finally confirmed. 'He was born in 1937 so finding a living relative was difficult,' Dr Paterson said. 'We are happy that there was closure. 'That's the aim – it's to take away that uncertainty.' IGG technology has been mainly used in the United States, Canada, and Australia – but researchers hope to increase its use in the UK. Cairenn Binder, director of the IGG Certificate Programme at Ramapo College, said: 'Investigative genetic genealogy was integral to solving the case of Mr Hill because as an unidentified person with only a lead on a possible name and no next of kin, genetic genealogy research was required to restore his identity. 'Advanced DNA testing and shared DNA with his distant relatives allowed investigators to confirm his identity and memorialize him after more than twelve years as a John Doe. 'This case is a historic milestone for the implementation of IGG in the UK, as Mr Hill is the first UK citizen to be identified with IGG research.'
Glasgow Times
01-07-2025
- Science
- Glasgow Times
Remains of British man identified 12 years after death thanks to new technology
Michael Hill, 75, died in February 2013 whilst visiting a friend in the United States. Having gone to his friend's home with no belongings other than his clothes, and without close relatives to identify him, Mr Hill remained known as the 'Maricopa County John Doe 2013' for more than a decade after his death. But researchers from the UK and US managed to restore Mr Hill's identity using a new method called Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), which combines DNA analysis with genealogical searches – making him the first UK citizen to be identified through this technique. The solving of Mr Hill's case has been hailed as 'a historic milestone' which could pave the way for a wider use of IGG tools in the UK, potentially leading to more unsolved cases being closed. Dr Craig Paterson, who led the work from Sheffield Hallam University, said: 'It is a privilege to see the team solve this case and to restore Michael's name and identity. 'This case proves that IGG can be used in the UK to identify distant relatives and generate leads in cases that have remained unsolved using other investigative techniques. 'There are lots more unsolved cases in the UK where IGG can be used and we will continue to work with our partners and students to ensure that as many cases as possible benefit from this expertise.' The technology can help investigators identify distant relatives of a subject, whereas regular DNA testing usually identifies close family members, Dr Paterson explained. It relies on the millions of members of the public who have taken consumer DNA tests and carried out genetic genealogical searches on platforms such as FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch, said David Gurney, director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre at Ramapo College in New Jersey. The investigation of Mr Hill's case was led by researchers and students from Sheffield Hallam University, the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre, and Silverwell Research in London. The team gathered information the police and coroner's officer in Arizona held about Mr Hill, and the team found that Mr Hill had left his friend's house on the day he died, and returned four hours later complaining that he did not feel well. He laid down in a guest bedroom but a short time after began to convulse and went unresponsive. The friend called 911 and emergency service personnel responded to the scene and death was pronounced at that location. The friend Mr Hill visited in the Phoenix area provided a name, Michael Sydney Hill, and date of birth to the authorities. But this information alone could not be used to confirm Hill's identity. Traditional means of identification employed by Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (MCOME) also did not yield a positive result. There was no identification on his person, and he had no siblings, children, or close relatives to contact and provide a positive identification. 'He was still connected to parts of the family – but there was just a loss of contact,' Dr Paterson said. 'It happens a lot more than you would think.' The case remained cold for more than a decade until the team managed to trace a distant cousin of Mr Hill using DNA taken from his body, combined with genealogical analysis. The relative provided a DNA test and Michael Hill's identity was finally confirmed. 'He was born in 1937 so finding a living relative was difficult,' Dr Paterson said. 'We are happy that there was closure. 'That's the aim – it's to take away that uncertainty.' IGG technology has been mainly used in the United States, Canada, and Australia – but researchers hope to increase its use in the UK. Cairenn Binder, director of the IGG Certificate Programme at Ramapo College, said: 'Investigative genetic genealogy was integral to solving the case of Mr Hill because as an unidentified person with only a lead on a possible name and no next of kin, genetic genealogy research was required to restore his identity. 'Advanced DNA testing and shared DNA with his distant relatives allowed investigators to confirm his identity and memorialize him after more than twelve years as a John Doe. 'This case is a historic milestone for the implementation of IGG in the UK, as Mr Hill is the first UK citizen to be identified with IGG research.'
