Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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It is very exciting to see the breakthroughs that are starting to happen with a DNA via genealogy. Around the world there is a growth of companies like 23andme, which test people’s DNA and tell them who they are related to, etc. Police are also using those services and a variety of unsolved crimes are now getting solved on that basis. The police are able to test the DNA that might have been left at the scene of a murder 10 years ago and in some cases 20 years ago and see if any of the genealogy sites have anybody with a similar DNA on it.
In one case it led to the arrest of a serial killer in San Francisco when the police were able to link the DNA to a family of about 1,000 members. Of those 1,000 members only about 2 of them would have been the right age and in the areas that the murders were committed and the police decided that one of them was the most likely suspect. They went out of their way to get a sample of the man’s DNA and once they had done that, without his knowledge, they tested it against the DNA evidence they had from his victims. There was a match and he was arrested. The last few months have seen a whole host of these types of cases and I think this is going to be a massive trend over the next 5 to 10 years. It does not matter if the murderer himself never had those tests done, as long as somebody in his family, and it could be as distant as a cousin or even more distant, gets those tests done, the police and authorities will be able to link that broad family to the murders and then start narrowing their search down within that particular family.
I think this will obviously be tremendous in terms of what it will do for crime in future. Criminals, murderers and serial killers will be caught far more easily and the only way to avoid being caught is to ensure that they do not leave any DNA behind, which is quite hard if your victim struggles, scratches you, a piece of hair falls out or anything like that. I think a lot more people will realise that your chances of getting away with that type of crime will be much smaller. The fact that there are video cameras installed in city centres all around the world and a world where you are watched more now than ever will make it even harder, but what is now coming, with all the DNA testing that is going on and people’s fascination with home DNA test kits, will lead to a dramatic reduction in those types of crimes going forward. Sometimes we moan that we are recorded on camera’s at work or at shops, but this too actually adds to a our security in many respects. I think we are about to see some dramatic older cases being resolved over the next year or two thanks to a combination of modern technology and genealogy.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Wednesday 22-Aug-18
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Comments
Brenda Du Toit said:
on Thursday 11-Oct-18 07:55 AM
I am an absolute fan of Crime investigation channel's on DSTV.I find it very interesting to see how far they will go to get that person. I wish South Africa had more experienced investigators.
Shristi said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 08:58 PM
In SA I don't believe that any type of DNA testing will prevent or even deter criminals from committing murder or rape.I say this because our jails are full and there is no death penalty at the moment, hence there is no fear of them losing their life should they turn to crime. Yes, they might be proven guilty, only to be given 3 square meals a day and a somewhat cosy bed to sleep on! This was surely one interesting blog!
Tersia said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 07:13 PM
I honestly don't think this will minimize crimes of murder, rape ect. Some of them who commit these crimes are actually just stupid and then you get some of them who are just really smart and will work their way around anything to not get caught - which is quite scary. It's good that they are solving old crimes, it must bring so much relieve to their loved ones.
Prishani said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 04:25 PM
I love watching crime investigations and the forensic side of it interests me the most! I wonder how many cold cases will be re-opened. This is all very exciting!
Liz said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 03:50 PM
The developments in science have been tremendous in ensuring that murderers are caught. I am an absolute fan of Crime investigation and the methods used are so interesting and innovative, however there is a lot of admin involved and I fear that in a country such as our own will not have the funds or expertise to pursue these murderers.
Cornelie said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 03:42 PM
What an interesting blog, I think it will solve a lot of murders back in the day and give some peace to families who never had the chance to close that book what a break through..
Sinead said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 12:08 PM
I actually used to watch a show on the Crime Channel based on this. I think it was called Cold Cases. I find it so interesting! These kinds of things really grip me and keep me hooked. DNA is one thing you can't deny. That is why I always wanted to go into Forensics.
My only concern would be, what if the individual was just in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Henrietta said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 11:36 AM
This sound like music to my ears. I love reading about stuff like this how interesting it is. I just can't get over the fact how murderers life with them self. How do they sleep at night how do you just murder someone and think you can get away. I really hope this is a success.
Natasha said:
on Tuesday 04-Sep-18 10:02 AM
It will be a great thing i think it is really amazing maybe now their will be less murders and victims being harassed they must start getting that in South Africa
Fikile said:
on Monday 03-Sep-18 07:24 AM
This is a good thing and it will help a lot of people and it's going to be very helpful. In most cases it's not going to be that easy to get someone to agree to give you their blood or anything from their body's, because their are so many ways to get someone's DNA and i most case blood is the hardest and it's the one that helps the most. If this investigation is to come to South Africa, i guess a lot of people will be arrested
Lucretia said:
on Friday 31-Aug-18 02:36 PM
This would be wonderful in South Africa if their testing was done timeously. But yes, the fact that one can go back to far with DNA testing is amazing and with this type of technology, use it to bring closure to many families who don't have closure.
Tamaryn said:
on Friday 31-Aug-18 12:30 PM
Imagine what we could achieve if only one family member per generation were today compelled to give their DNA to a genealogy website. I have always thought that each person's DNA profile should be on record from birth. That would mean having the correct infrastructure and legislation in place in order to make it work, but what an impact it will have!
Thabitha said:
on Thursday 30-Aug-18 08:16 AM
Good finally all murder cases will be resolved sooner than it used to be, all these animal must be put in jail where they belong.
Mathilda Du Preez said:
on Wednesday 29-Aug-18 03:49 PM
I find stuff like this so fascinating how science has evolved throughout the years!
Hopefully they can solve some of the cold cases
Michelle D said:
on Wednesday 29-Aug-18 02:49 PM
I think DNA testing is all good and well but I'm not sure it would work somewhere like South Africa. It's too dependent on the DNA already available. In SA where overpopulation and lack of registration of births are common problems I doubt you would be able to trace many people through genealogy. Especially because most of our criminals are not psychopathic serial killers but destitute and desperate every day people.
Megan said:
on Tuesday 28-Aug-18 04:58 PM
That's fantastic! This is so interesting to read about, I mean the fact that even after so many years they can be found. Criminals do not deserve to walk freely and now they can be weary knowing that they will be caught, even if it takes many years.
Jadine Richards said:
on Tuesday 28-Aug-18 10:18 AM
This is really wonderful, not only in respect of the unsolved cold cases but also for the future of crime fighting. I am not sure how much this is used in SA but anything that helps get a few more murderers and rapist off our streets and behind bars would be helpful.
melissa said:
on Monday 27-Aug-18 08:39 AM
It's amazing to hear how technology improves on a daily or weekly basis. I am glad to hear that they are actually making effort to catch these criminals. I still say once they've caught these criminals they must kill them at the same time because this will never end.
Joyce said:
on Friday 24-Aug-18 04:59 PM
Technology improving everyday
Jessica said:
on Friday 24-Aug-18 04:50 PM
Genealogy or rather 'family history' was initially a fancy hobby and sparked out of interest to see and decipher one's origins, but it is astounding to see how it has become beneficial within crime investigations!
Michelle said:
on Friday 24-Aug-18 12:56 PM
Totally agree that this is impressive. But it is true that South Africa is way behind on this regard, that is why we have such a high crime rate. It's because criminals know they will get away with murder.
Zindy said:
on Friday 24-Aug-18 10:07 AM
I think it will take a very long time in South Africa to trace someone with a lot of illegal immigrants in the country and in rural areas children being born not even being registered or having ID Books how do you trace back to someone who is suppose to be non existent . Overseas they are able to sometimes identify with dental records ect where as in South Africa we do not have any of that.
Ashleigh said:
on Friday 24-Aug-18 09:12 AM
Great. We need more tools for murder investigations. Even though all investigations and the tools used are not perfect, something is better then nothing to work off.
Sarah said:
on Thursday 23-Aug-18 04:30 PM
David has made a very good point. What if you never did the crime but the DNA tests taken by family members state other wise? Its great to read about this but if the person using the technology makes one mistake a few incident people can be punish for nothing.
On the postie side, I am glad t hear that they are putting more effect in finding the murders etc.
patrick said:
on Thursday 23-Aug-18 10:28 AM
Technology once again to our rescue.
Angelique Jurgens said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 12:10 PM
It just reminds me of O.J. Simpson - all that evidence and DNA and he still walked free. I should not be negative because it sounds like quite a powerful tool and breakthrough however we need to first get rid of corruption in order for that to work in South Africa. This is the same DNA analysis used to find the alleged Golden State Killer. Genetic genealogy is the future! I am all for it but part of me wonders about the legal and ethical issues.
Nina said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 09:33 AM
Very interesting. I am glad to hear that today's technology can really be used to do some good in the world. It is however important that the forensic teams receive the best training so that they can make sure that all the evidence, and espesially DNA are collected and processed correctly.
Victoria said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 08:56 AM
This is amazing and seems like it is working very well.Hopefully this DNA testing will be in every County soon. This testing will definitely reduce crime drastically which is really amazing.
Alexis said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 08:23 AM
That is something hey - watching Forensic Files...and I mean all the time - it is incredible at what they find as how they can link a person to a crime...so it is very nice to hear that it will be very difficult to get away with a crime so easily...as well as all those families and friends can finally have peace knowing that said criminal has been put to justice
Helen said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 07:51 AM
Who would thought that DNA of the family member would lead to the serial killer? It is amazing how the scientific world is developed today. With the help of modern technology and Genealogy detective's work becoming more easier. As soon as no mistake made and innocent people arrested!
brumilde said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 07:40 AM
This is brilliant, i do hope they can solve some of the cold cases, catching a criminal even a murderer will not only make people think about their chances of getting away with the crime but also bring relief to the family whom the deed has happened to, Lets hope they can find the most famous unsolved crime,. Who was Jack the Ripper
Jadine Esterhuizen said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 07:13 AM
This is huge especially when it comes to potential suspects even though they turn out to be innocent. IF only the process in South Africa could be that fast.
david said:
on Wednesday 22-Aug-18 07:03 AM
something else really interesting is the number of people being released from jail for murders they never committed, because of DNA evidence.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
