Using DNA Technology to Identify the Missing: Identifying the Missing of Minnesota

Through coordinated efforts of the Minnesota Missing and Unidentified Persons Clearinghouse,the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Laboratory and various medical examiners in the state of Minnesota, it has been determined that there are nine unidentified, deceased individuals for whom DNA samples were not collected prior to their internment. As a result, DNA profiles from these individuals have not been entered into the National DNA Index
System (NDIS), and with each year that passes the chance of them being identified becomes smaller and smaller. Over the past six years, the Minnesota BCA Forensic Science Services (FSS) has validated and implemented new technology dedicated to addressing unique issues pertaining to degraded and compromised samples commonly encountered in cases of unidentified human remains. Funding under this solicitation will target the exhumation of these
nine individuals, collection of pertinent samples, DNA sample processing of these nine
individuals, comparison of DNA yields from various bones within the same set of skeletal
remains, DNA data entry using CODIS 7.0, data entry into the National Missing and
Unidentified Persons System (NamUS), and overtime funding to complete these tasks. All
appropriate samples will be subjected to DNA extraction and DNA testing (mitochondrial DNA,autosomal STRs and Y-chromosomal STRs where necessary). The ultimate goal is to obtain as much genetic information as possible so these samples can benefit from the national DNA searches conducted using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The funding requested under this solicitation will provide the examinations and testing that is needed to give these unidentified individuals the best chance possible of being returned to their loved ones.

ca/ncf