Introduction 

Imagine if you are a serial killer who hasn’t been caught for years and the one thing that gets you caught is your fingerprint of a pizza box. This recently happen to The Long Island Serial Killer.  The Golden State Killer, Lonnie Franklin Jr. – notorious cases that have one thing in common- they were all solved using DNA. In recent years, Investigative Genomics has become a groundbreaking tool, unraveling mysteries and solving high-profile crimes through the analysis of genetic material. This research paper focus is to inform and shed light on the significant role that Investigative Genomics plays in solving criminal cases and overall helping the development of the criminal system for the better. 

What Are Geonomics?

Before we take a dive into investigative genomics it’s important to understand what Geonomics are. Genomics is the study of ALL a person’s gene also known as the Genome and how they interact with everything (A Brief Guide To Genomics). Genomics is not just about looking at just the gene itself but everything surrounding it, it’s about understanding how all the genes work together. Scientists use advanced tools to read and analyze the DNA code, helping them uncover details about genetic variations, possibilities of disease, and other essential aspects of life. 

History Of Forensics

DNA has revolutionized Forensics Science and the criminal justice system. Forensic Science is the analysis of evidence and it has been around for years dating all the way back to 44 BC where the Roman physician Antistus performed his first autopsy (How Forensic Science). Forensic Science has been around for centuries but the development of DNA and its use is fairly new.  The first ever DNA fingerprinting that was used in forensic science was in the year 1987 in the UK to free a man for two rape murders, Later in 1987 the first person convicted based on DNA (Panneerchelvam and Norazmi). The breakthrough of DNA analysis, caused a gradual change in the legal system, leading to its widespread adoption in solving crimes. Later leading to the development of DNA databases, such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) in the United States. The O.J Simpson Trial, a very famous case, was a case where DNA was used to prosecute.

Intro To Investigative Genomics

The FBIs new little toy Investigative genetic geology also referred to as IGG and forensic genetic geology is a tool that mixes the analysis of crime scene evidence with public genetic genealogy data bases and genealogical records to increase detectives chances at finding the culprit (Investigative Geonomics). This technology is how The Golden State Killer was found. This technique traces the DNA of an unidentified subject and identifies them by using similar DNA from a family member who volunteers their DNA.  IGG has happened solve over 50 cold cases during the first 18 months (Investigative Geonomics). Investigative Geonomics has revolutioned forensic science This gives us important clues about our shared human history. As we learn more through genomics, it’s changing the way we solve crimes, making healthcare better, and helping us understand more about the genes that make up who we are. The more we explore genomics, the more it promises to change the way we think about solving crimes, staying healthy, and understanding the building blocks of human life.

Investigative Geonomics in Action 

Inestigative Geonomics has played a big role in the justice system apart from helping solve cases. Investigative genomics has not only helped solve crimes but has also played a vital role in exonerating the wrongly convicted. Organizations like the Innocence Project, which employs DNA testing to reevaluate past convictions. Over 35 people have been exonerated from death row due to DNA testing Kirk Bloodsworth the first to be “exonerated by DNA evidence in the U.S. Mr. Bloodsworth spent nearly nine years wrongly incarcerated and is the founder of Witness to Innocence.”(Innocence Project). Genomic techniques have been crucial in identifying unidentified human remains helping slove missing persons cases and finding closer to the families of those who have passed away (Latham and Miller). Unfortunately in situations like this bodies are often left unrecognizable only leaving teeth and bones to be identified. This is crucial for mass casualties to help identify all the bodies, such as the identification of victims from the 9/11 attacks. Finally beyond just criminal investigations, genomic analysis has played a big role in advancing personalized medicine. Case studies highlighting the use of genomics in making treatment plans for individuals based on their genetic makeup showcase the broader applications of investigative genomics in improving healthcare outcomes (Bonomi, Luca, et al). Through these examples, we witness the big impact of investigative genomics in all type of ways in the justice system. 

Ethics and Counterclaim

The integration of Investigative Genomics in criminal investigations has risen some concerns beyond its scientific and forensic. One key issue revolving around it is privacy, the use of DNA for investigative purposes involves taking sensitive genetic information. This raises questions about the extent to that individuals should share their DNA because it could potentially be misused. These concerns are involved in the idea of giving consent. While some individuals willingly give their genetic information to genealogy databases or research projects, others are very worried about the implications giving their DNA to a criminal investigation might cause. Many people want justice but are concerned with its privacy and their information just being out there in a database. The possibility of genetic information being misused or stolen brings up ethical dilemmas. Once genetic data is collected, it could be exploited or planted or stolen for criminal use. The utilization of Investigative Genomics has the potential to make a big impact on society as a whole. It is possible that certain groups may not have equal access to these genetic technologies, which could result in unjust outcomes in criminal investigations. Genetic testing can cost upwards of 5,000 all the way to 50,000 in these cases (Innocence project). It is crucial to ensure that when we employ Investigative Genomics, we are doing so equitably and not exacerbating existing inequalities. Additionally, there is ongoing debate regarding the reliability of genetic evidence in legal cases. Concerns have been raised about errors, sample contamination, and the complexity of genetic data. Striking a balance between utilizing genetic evidence to solve crimes and ensuring that it is done in a just and ethical manner is of utmost importance.

Impact And The Future

 Investigative Genomics has experienced significant progress in recent years, pushing it towards boundaries and showing significant impacts on science and investigative Geonomics. The use of new up and coming technologies has played a big role in improving the efficiency of DNA analysis and revolutionizing the utilization of genetic information for investigative purposes. One of these advancement being the development of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS has enabled the rapid and cost-effective sequencing of entire genomes facilitating comprehensive analysis and precise identification of genetic variations (Next Generation) . This technology has greatly expedited the pace of DNA analysis, enabling investigators to efficiently extract a wealth of information from crime scene samples (Next Generation). Tools like this are helping reshape everything we now know about investigative genomics.

Conclusion

Investigative Genomics has changed the way we solve crimes, from historical breakthroughs to recent advancements like Next-Generation Sequencing. It’s not just about individual genes but understanding the whole picture. While it has helped solve cases and even free wrongly convicted people, we need to be careful about privacy and fairness and figure out way to keep everybody’s information safe especially when everything is moving to being digital. Looking ahead, new technologies promise even better and faster genetic analysis. Balancing progress with ethical concerns will shape how Investigative Genomics continues to impact our justice system and other areas of life.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Admin. “How Forensic Science Has Evolved over Time.” IFF Lab, 14 Aug. 2018, ifflab.org/history-of-forensic-science/.

Bonomi, Luca, et al. “Privacy Challenges and Research Opportunities for Genomic Data Sharing.” Nature Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7761157/.

“A Brief Guide to Genomics.” Genome.Gov, www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/A-Brief-Guide-to-Genomics. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

“DNA and Wrongful Conviction: Five Facts You Should Know.” Innocence Project, 2 May 2023, innocenceproject.org/dna-and-wrongful-conviction-five-facts-you-should-know/.

“Investigative Genomics.” Genome.Gov, www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Investigative-Genomics#:~:text=Investigative%20genetic%20genealogy%20(IGG)%20which,databases%20and%20traditional%20genealogical%20records. Accessed 14 Nov. 2023.

Latham, Krista E, and Jessica J Miller. “DNA Recovery and Analysis from Skeletal Material in Modern Forensic Contexts.” Forensic Sciences Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6427720/.

“Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).” Explore the Technology, www.illumina.com/science/technology/next-generation-sequencing.html#:~:text=Next%2Dgeneration%20sequencing%20(NGS)%20is%20a%20massively%20parallel%20sequencing,regions%20of%20DNA%20or%20RNA. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.

Panneerchelvam, S, and M N Norazmi. “Forensic DNA Profiling and Database.” The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3561883/#:~:text=DNA%20fingerprinting%20was%20first%20used,had%20not%20committed%20the%20crimes.