The Evolution of DNA and its Impact on Sexual Assault Case Prosecution
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29173/jafn860Keywords:
DNA, sexual assault, prosecutionAbstract
The evolution of DNA technology has revolutionized forensic science and the identification of violent offenders. For decades, recidivist offenders terrorized communities across the globe with little chance of ever being identified. The discovery of PCR testing, STR DNA profiling, and the creation of the CODIS system have changed the forensic and law enforcement landscapes, making offender identification across state lines possible. In 2018, FGG burst onto the scene, creating a new tool in the forensic toolbox to help identify unknown DNA profiles and solve cases that would otherwise be unsolved. It has helped to take violent offenders off the street and provided justice to victims and their families across the globe. While there are still limitations to its use and ethical considerations to be considered, the use of FGG continues to be pivotal in the investigation and prosecution of violent offenders.
References
Associated Press (2025). Non-profit run by 23andMe co-founder gets court approval to buy the genetic testing company. July 1, 2025. Available at https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/23andme-court-approval-1.7574842
Barlow, B., & McCowan, K. (2024, January). Genetic genealogy in the legal system (Criminal Litigation). Wisconsin Lawyer.
Campbell, R., Bybee, D., Ford, K., & Patterson, D. (2009, January 23). A systems change analysis of SANE programs: Identifying the mediating mechanisms of criminal system impact (Research Report No. 226497). U.S. Department of Justice.
Carpenter v. United States, No. 16-402 (6th Cir. June 22, 2018).
Cross, T., Siller, L., Vlajnic, M., & Alderden, M. (2022). The relationship of DNA evidence to prosecution outcomes in sexual assault cases. Violence Against Women, 28(15-16), 3910-3932. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012221077124
Davis, R., & Wells, W. (2019). DNA testing in sexual assault cases: When do the benefits outweigh the costs? Forensic Science International, 299, 44-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.forsciint.2019.03.031
Debus-Sherrill, S., & Field, M. (2019). Familial DNA searching-An emerging forensic investigative tool. Science and Justice, 59, 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2018.07.006
Dowdeswell, T. (2022). Forensic genetic genealogy: A profile of cases solved. Forensic Science International, 58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102679
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2017). Frequently asked questions on CODIS and NDIS. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/dna-fingerprint-act-of-2005-expungement-policy/ codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet
Glynn, C. (2022). Bridging disciplines to form a new one: The emergence of forensic genetic genealogy. Genes, 13(1381). https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13081381
Human Forensic Biology Subcommittee. (2023, December). Standard for familial DNA searching (Report No. OSAC 2021-S-0029). Organization of Scientific Areas Committees for Forensic Science.
Jordan, D., & Mills, D. (2012). Past, present, and future of DNA typing for analyzing human and non-human forensic samples. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/ fevo.2021.646130
Ledray, L., & Simmelink, K. (2020). Efficacy of SANE evidence collection: A Minnesota study. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 46(3), 283-285. https://doi.org/10/1016/j.jen.2020.01.008
Mandape, S., Budowle, B., Mittelman, K., & Mittelman, D. (2024). Dense single nucleotide polymorphism testing revolutionizes scope and degree of certainty for source attribution in forensic investigations. Croatian Medical Journal, 65(3), 249-261. https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2024.65.249
Mateen, R., Sabar, M., Hussain, S., Parveen, R., & Hussain, M. (2021). Familial DNA analysis and criminal investigation: Usage, downsides and privacy concerns. Forensic Science International, 318. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110576
Merton, J. (2025, March 28). The fall of 23andMe: Cybersecurity, ethics, and legal challenges post-bankruptcy. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fall-23andme-cybersecurity-ethics-legal-challenges-joseph-merton-e30ac#:~:text=Joseph%20Merton,-Wicked%20Problem%20Solver&text=The%20bankruptcy%20of%2023andMe%2C%20a,from%20over%2015%20million%20users .
National Institute of Justice. (2023, June 16). DNA typing by RFLP analysis. Crime Scene and DNA Basics for Forensic Analysis. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://nij.ojp.gov/nij-hosted-online-training-courses/crime-scene-and-dna-basics-forensic-analysts/history-and-types-forensic-dna-testing/dna-typing-rflp-analysis
NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Investigative Genetic Genealogy Testing, 53563 (N.Y. Mar.28, 2023).
Office of the Inspector General. (2006, May). Combined DNA index system operational and laboratory vulnerabilities (Statement on Compliance with Laws and Regulations; Report No. 06-32). United States Department of Justice.
Poldon, S., Duhn, L., Carmargo-Plazas, P., Purkey, E., & Tranmer, J. (2021). Exploring how sexual assault nurse examiners practise trauma informed care. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.1097/JFN.00000000000000338
Saad, R. (2005). Discovery, development, and current applications of DNA identity testing. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 18(2), 130-133. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/08998280.2005.11928051
Schmerker, J. (2022, January 12). The history of PCR and importance for genomic research.
Integrated DNA Technologies. https://www.idtdna.com/pages/community/blog/post/Pcr-its-history-and-importance-for-genomic-research
Seaver, L., Khushf, G., King, N., Matalon, D., Sanghavi, K., Vatta, M., & Wees, K. (2022). Points to consider to avoid unfair discrimination and the misuse of genetic information: A statement of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genetics in Medicine, 24, 512-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gim.2021.11.002
Sievers, V., Murphy, S., & Miller, J. (2003). Sexual assault evidence collection more accurate when completed by sexual assault nurse examiners: Colorado's experience. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 29(6), 511-514. https://doi.org/10.1067/j.jen.2003.08.010
Sunny, M., & Mahatole, S. (2025, June 2). Regeneron to buy bankrupt 23andMe, vows ethical use of customer DNA data [Press release]. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/regeneron-buy-bankrupt-genetic-testing-firm-23andme-256-million-2025-05-19/
Tuazon, O., Wickenheiser, R., Ansell, R., Guerrini, C., Jan-Zwenne, G., & Custers, B. (2024). Law enforcement use of genetic genealogy databases in criminal investigations: Nomenclature, definition, and scope. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.fsisyn.2024.100460
Wickenheiser, R. (2019). Forensic genealogy, bioethics and the golden state killer case. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 1, 114-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.07
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ariana Miller, Kimberly Kasper
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
