Another success for genetic genealogy. You probably saw the story Human remains found in Algonquin Park 45 years ago identified thanks to the work of a genetic genealogist using autosomal DNA evidence. It’s just the latest in a long line of autosomal DNA-aided remains identified.
The Department of National Defence, Casualty Identification Program use of DNA and other techniques, is explained here.
“The Casualty Identification Program typically uses mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to identify remains, which is passed unchanged from mother to child. Mitochondrial DNA survives well and is very stable over many generations, but its stability may also lead to similar profiles in people who are not closely related which can sometimes create false positives. Even with its limitations, mtDNA is a very useful tool that can help to establish parentage that goes back many generations.
The Casualty Identification Program also uses a type of nuclear DNA called Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (Y-STR). Y-STR DNA is passed from father to son and is genetically stable, but does not survive well in skeletal remains. Unfortunately, some samples from the remains do not provide a Y-STR sample that is suitable for comparison, which means this method cannot always be used.”
With autosomal DNA analysis now a well-established forensic technique, what’s holding our Department of National Defence back from doing all they practically can to identify military remains?
I watched the video. What a feel good story! That’s why police services can use my DNA anytime.
Excellent John. I enjoyed reading the bits about why we do it. I remember in 2010 visiting in France, where my grandfather had been injured in WW1, and visitng the Thiepval Memorial. One of the staff told me that in the excavations for the establishment of the tea room, several more WW1 skeletons had been found.
It is sad but wonderful that finally there was closure for the family that (Ricky) Eric Singer was identified, thanks to the OPP and DNA.
Did he die of natural causes or was there an element of crime?
But who was the person that was found many years later? Was he
identified or is he still unknown?