A first: Genetic genealogy used to convict a killer, resolve 1987 double murder

[C(-)ris]

Lemon Drop wrote:
I'm glad to see Mr. Talbott headed to jail for the remainder of his life. Ultimately it wasn't his cousins who did him in, it was littering. Even though the genetic database led to him as the prime suspect, a detective still had to trail him until they could get a DNA sample to confirm a match with the evidence from the murders.

He finally threw a cup out his truck window, and the detective picked it up.

Unless you burn all your trash, never venture outside, and keep everything it would probably take them all of 4 hours to get a DNA sample from anyone. The only reason they don't just show up with a warrant is that they want the element of surprise so you don't flee. DNA testing takes time, they can't show their cards or the guilty party could be in Mexico before the test is done.

[Lemon Drop]

At least one of the genetic database organizations has changed its policy about giving law enforcement unfettered access to the information. Florida-based GEDmatch has changed to an "opt in" policy and now its users can restrict law enforcement access to their DNA data.

If others follow suit this avenue for solving cold cases may be limited significantly.