Genetics and Cold Cases
Luz Riquiran
Between the years of 1980 and 2019, almost 185,000 homicide cases were left unsolved. In recent years, the advancement of genetic genealogy has led to the closing of cold cases. In 2018, true crime fans had their worlds rocked when the arrest of the Golden State Killer was announced. Although the Golden State Killer was able to evade the police using his intelligence, he couldn’t run from the information in his DNA.
Genetic genealogy is a new technique used to identify perpetrators in unsolved cases. The process includes the use of DNA profiles that consist of blood, skin, or hair left at the crime scene. These pieces of genetic evidence are then uploaded to a genealogy database. Investigators look for any similarities with other genetic profiles on the database. Then, investigators use “reverse genealogy” to build a family tree: starting with living relatives and working up to deceased ancestors. According to Jason Gruenauer, a family tree is assembled “by using things like obituaries, wedding announcements, and birth certificates.” Once the police have narrowed down a suspect, they obtain a DNA sample to confirm. On the occasion that there is a DNA match, an arrest can be officially made.
Genetic genealogy has proven to result in breakthroughs for cold cases, even ones that are 50 years old. One of the most infamous cases to be solved was the case of the Golden State Killer. The Golden State killer managed to evade the police for 40 years, and many believed the case would remain unsolved forever. Between 1976 and 1980, he tormented the citizens of eastern Sacramento Country with robberies, burglaries, and assaults on women. According to Emily Shapiro of ABC News, he “would break into his victims' homes by prying open a window or door while they slept.”
In 2020, Joseph DeAngelo pleaded gulty for the murder of thirteen people. Police first came upon his name in 2018. They built his family tree using characteristics like his estimated age or location. DeAngelo was under police surveillance for a couple of days before his DNA was able to be extracted from a discarded tissue. Investigators were able to get a match and link DeAngelo’s DNA to comparisons found at various crime scenes. The resolution of this cold case was shocking, and long overdue.
Colorado’s first conviction using genetic genealogy was the case of Helene Pruszynski in 1980. In 1998, detectives put together a DNA profile but were unable to find a match in the nationwide database. In 2019, detectives used genealogy sites to develop a family tree for the suspect. With this, police were able to narrow down their search to James Curtis Clanton and his brother. They ruled out his brother and identified the killer by comparing their DNA directly to the recovered sample. Ultimately, Clanton pleaded guilty for the murder of Helene Pruszynski.
In June of 2021, Montana’s Cascade County investigators announced that they solved one of the oldest cases in the county, the Kalitzke-Bohle double murder case involving Lloyd Duane Bogle and his girlfriend, Patricia Kalitzke. The case was left unsolved for 65 years. For decades the case was reopened and closed until 2012, when the case landed on Sergeant Kadner’s desk.
Kadner's first task was to digitize the case, which was an extensive task. He continued to work on the case. He looked over newspapers, aerial photos, history of nearby areas, and city directories to gather information. Kadner believed that in order for the case to be ever solved, they would have to use DNA. Lucky for him, investigators were able to create a DNA profile for the assailant and compared it with other DNA on public databases. Forensic genealogists were built a family tree, which led them to Kennerth Goud. Police felt relieved that they obtained a name, but as it turned out Goud had been dead since 2007. In order for investigators to link Goud to the crime scenes, they would have to test Goud’s living relatives. Thankfully, the family agreed to provide a sample. The results proved that Kenneth Gould was responsible for the Kalitzke-Goud double murder case. After decades of work, the case that had been unsolved for 65 years was finally solved.
Genetic genealogy is a huge help to investigators when solving cold cases from decades ago. With new convictions in cold cases, investigators can have some peace of mind. In addition, the victims and their families receive closure and justice for the heinous crimes committed. With advancing technology, new methods are being produced to help solve cold cases from decades ago.
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