genealogy search and familial DNA search ? Familial DNA searches are often utilized , in states that allow them , prior to conducting genetic genealogy searches because they utilize government owned criminal databases . For example , a crime scene profile can be entered into a state database to create a list of profiles that are genetically similar to the DNA collected at the crime scene . This generates a valuable investigative lead . While the suspect will not be directly identified , investigators may have insight into the identity of the suspect ’ s family members . By comparison , the genetic genealogy search process does not utilize government owned databases and can be expensive . Genetic Genealogy searches utilize public databases also used by individuals searching for their own relatives , such as GEDMatch . GEDMatch provides free , open-source access to anyone seeking to find ancestors and family members by uploading their DNA profile data . Upon enrollment , users are given a choice of four levels of privacy : Private , Research , Public + Opt Out , and Public + Opt In . Users may change their privacy preference at any time . Public + Opt In is the most open access , allowing a user ’ s profile to be compared to other profiles in the database . This is how law enforcement uses GEDMatch for investigative purposes . Currently , there are approximately 280,000 users who have “ opted in ” through the GEDMatch database .
A discussion of cold case investigations would not be complete with out mentioning the FBI ’ s ViCAP database as an investigative tool . The Violent Criminal Apprehension Program allows for the analysis of serial violent and sexually motivated crimes . The FBI maintains the database as the largest investigative repository of violent crime cases in the United States . As with any database , ViCAP ’ s value is increased the more it is used . The more cases entered , the stronger the investigative tool . Georgia law enforcement agencies should enter sexual assault and homicide cases that meet the FBI ’ s criteria into the ViCAP system for possible matches to cases across the country with similar case characteristics . The GA SAKI Task Force can assist with ViCAP entry to help alleviate the manpower burden of ViCAP entry .
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Victim Impact Nicole Ebbeskotte was one of the victims in the Williams case . Trauma associated with sexual assault can last a lifetime , but her experience sparked a passion for creating systemic change . In addition to working in law enforcement and as a legislative consultant , Nicole is now serving on CJCC ’ s Survivor Advisory Council . Nichole says , of the DNA testing used to solve her case , “ Without the Georgia SAKI Task Force , and the DNA testing used in my case , I would have likely never gotten the closure I had desperately wanted for so many years .” – Nicole Ebbeskotte Schiefer concurs and considers the case as one of the most inspiring of her career .
“ Providing notification to the victims in the Williams case was extremely rewarding for me . One of our victims stated that she had watched cold case TV shows for years and wondered when it would be her turn . That really resonated with me .” -Theresa Schiefer As part of the GA SAKI Task Force , Schiefer works collaboratively with a task force coordinator , investigators , advocates , and other prosecutors . In addition to the advanced DNA resources the grant provides , they have access to the consultation services of a certified criminal profiler . Meetings are held biweekly to bring together the collective expertise of the task force . Cases like the Lorenzo Williams case are included as part of routine case reviews to determine if advanced DNA testing can be helpful to investigations in jurisdictions across the state .
If you have a cold case homicide or sexual assault case in Georgia that you would like to be considered for a GA SAKI Task Force consultation , ViCAP entry or advanced DNA testing , please email Amy Hutsell at
Amy . Hutsell @ cjcc . ga . gov .
Amy Hutsell has over 15 years ’ experience in sexual assault and child sexual abuse services . She currently is the Program Director for the Sexual Assault , Child Abuse and Human Trafficking Unit with Georgia ’ s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council . She and her team have written grants that have resulted in over $ 10,000,000 in federal assistance to Georgia . She also oversees Georgia ’ s Sexual Assault Response Team ( SART ) as well as chairs the State ’ s Sexual Assault Kit ( SAK ) workgroup and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative ( SAKI ) Task Force .