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RCNJ Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center Works to Identify Cold Cases in Arizona

March 10, 2023

The Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center at Ramapo College has partnered with the Pima County Medical Examiners Office in Arizona to work on identifying three of the more than 1,000 John Doe cases that remain unidentified for over 30 years.  Through genetic genealogy, which involves combining traditional genealogy research methods with DNA analysis, the goal is to find descendants with a biological relationship to those who have died and be able to identify the remains.  One outcome of this work is the ability to bring closure to the families of those who have loved ones that have gone missing. The three cases that IGG has taken on in Pima County are from 2002-2008.

The IGG Center is also working on local cases in New Jersey and other parts of the United States. To learn more about the Pima County project, watch the ABC-affiliate KGUN News interview.