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Virginia To Use Familial DNA In Investigations

By: Greg Peppers // March 21, 2011
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Gov. Bob McDonnell has announced that the Virginia Department of Forensic Science has developed the capability to conduct DNA searches using genetic material from relatives of criminal suspects.

The technology can assist investigators seeking suspects who left DNA evidence at crime scenes but whose genetic material is not contained in any DNA database.

Investigators in California credit familial DNA in the 2010 capture of Lonnie Franklin Jr., the suspected "Grim Sleeper" who has been charged with 10 counts of murder.

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