Solving crimes with DNA testing: understanding the basics with podcast guest J.C. Kenney
Did you know that if you test at FamilyTreeDNA, all you have to do is check a box of approval during the DNA kit registration process, and your DNA results and online family tree are automatically opted into a program that helps investigators work to solve cold cases? I invited author J.C. Kenney to talk about the 4th book in his Allie Cobb series of mystery novels. In A Deadly Discovery, a consumer DNA test and genetic genealogy course taught at the local library lead to the solving of a decades-old murder mystery in a small town in Indiana.
You need not be a true crime fan or a DNA expert to learn from today's episode! Our conversation hones in on the highlights of DNA and crime investigation and is a great intro for those unfamiliar with investigative genetic genealogy, often shortened to IGG.
Things we touch on in this discussion:
Resources for learning more about IGG
What is a "cozy mystery"?
How the town of Nashville, Indiana plays into it all
Things we don't address in today's discussion? Ethicals gray zones and real-life criminal cases involving consumer DNA tests. We'll have to save that for a future episode of DNA Clarity and Support with a different author!
In the meantime, you can read more about this topic (and some of Brianne's thoughts about consumer DNA testing and IGG) in an article by Ariel Ramchandani in Mother Jones magazine.
And there is great coverage of the topic on an episode of the Australian program SBS Insight, called “DNA and Crime”:
As we near the end of season 2 of DNA Clarity and Support and plan for a sabbatical over the summer months, we are curious to know what you think. Heard an episode this season that had an impact on you, and now you can't stop thinking about something you heard? Tell us about it! Recently finished a book related to a DNA discovery and you want to hear more from the author in a Q&A with Brianne? Send us your feedback and some questions you'd like us to ask of future guests!
Season 3 is in its planning stages right now, and we need YOUR help to make it a great one!
Read J.C. Kenney's novel A Deadly Discovery on your e-reader or mobile device. (Make sure to check out the first three books in the series, too.)
Go back and catch up on past episodes of DNA Clarity and Support and join the mailing list at WatershedDNA.com to never miss and episode or an announcement of new resources.
