Genetic or forensic genealogy combines direct-to-consumer DNA tests — like those purchased through 23andMe or Ancestry.com — with the age-old hobby of tracing a family tree with public records, such as birth certificates and land deeds. The technique relies on the simple principle that, if you go back far enough in history, everyone is related, and therefore has thousands of relatives. Assuming that an average family has 2 to 3 kids, then a typical person would — statistically speaking — have nearly 200 third cousins, 950 fourth cousins and 4,700 fifth cousins. If a genealogist can find a cousin of an unknown suspect who has left behind DNA at a crime scene, then they can use old school family trees — sometimes literally drawn on paper or whiteboards — to track down the perp. That’s how the Golden State Killer and about 70 other suspects behind brutal cold cases — rapes, murders, and assaults — have been caught since April 2018 AdvanceDNA Services Learn more and contact AdvanceDNA at the link below: https://advancedna.org/ AdvanceDNA Forensic Genealogy Research Providing information leading to the identification of DNA contributors from violent crime. This may include the identification of victim and/or assailant DNA contributors. Decedent Identification Leverage our team of forensic genealogists to reunite an unknown decedent, such as a John or Jane Doe, with their identity. Our team accepts recommendations from the community, contact us to recommend a case. Living Identification Our team supports the effort to end human trafficking. Our team applies AdvanceDNA techniques to support victim identification for both reunification and law enforcement adjudication purposes. Projects AdvanceDNA supports small and large scale projects within the community that aligns with our values and mission. Contact us today with your ideas! Education & Training With combined training experience in both law enforcement and genealogy, AdvanceDNA can provide training tailored to meet the needs of our clients.  Speaking & Events AdvanceDNA welcomes invitations to private or public events, contact us with your event details to learn more.