Magazine_Fall2020REdition_web | Page 47

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Genetic Genealogy combines genetic analysis and genetic research of family histories . It can be used to connect DNA profiles obtained from remains to missing persons . It can also be used to identify an unknown suspect , as it was in the Williams case . The genetic genealogy search yielded several related matches to Williams ’ ( at the time , unknown ) DNA sample . Those related matches were narrowed down by genetic investigators to identify Williams as the suspect using a sort of reverse family tree methodology . In simple terms , relatives of the unknown DNA profile ’ s subject were identified , and the family tree was examined to determine whom among them were the likely suspect . Based primarily on Williams ’ county of residence at the time of the crime , he was determined to be the primary suspect . But would the genetic findings in the Williams case be enough to build a strong case for prosecution ? Likely no . Investigators in the Williams case were able to use the genetic genealogy results and other evidence obtained by traditional investigative methods to obtain a search warrant to collect Williams ’ DNA . They traveled to Arkansas to execute the warrant and presented swabs to the Georgia crime lab for analysis .
Source : parabon-nanolabs . com
A match was obtained to confirm that Williams was the preparator . In this case , the DNA confirmation has never been used in court , because Williams committed suicide the day after his DNA was collected . According to the GA SAKI / Cobb County prosecutor assigned to the case Theresa Schiefer , it would have been the key to getting a conviction on lead charges of three counts of rape .
Familial DNA searches are not currently provided by the crime lab in Georgia , but it could have been the first step . What is the difference between a genetic

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