Forensic Genetic Genealogy Pioneers

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Using DNA evidence, the district attorney’s office in Orange County, Calif., said it had identified a 1968 homicide victim as Anita…

The New York Times

July 23, 2020

First GEDmatch, the DNA database that helped identify the Golden State Killer, was hacked. Then email addresses…

Buzzfeed

July 22, 2020

Welcome to Mind Over Murder. In this episode, hosts Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley interview forensic genealogist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick to discuss her work in…

Mind over Murder Podcast with Bill Thomas

July 13, 2020

Welcome to Mind Over Murder. In this episode, hosts Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley interview forensic genealogist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick to discuss her work in…

Mind over Murder Podcast with Bill Thomas

May 25, 2020

The first step was to separate 17-year-old Barbara Blatnik’s DNA from that of the man who authorities say killed her in 1987 and dumped her body in Cuyahoga Falls. Investigators next entered the suspect’s DNA into genealogy databases, tracking down the man’s distant cousins.

Beacon Journal

May 16, 2020

Last summer, investigators reopened the case into Barbara Blatnik’s 1987 killing. Authorities in Ohio have filed murder charges against a 67-year-old Cleveland man, alleging DNA evidence proves he was responsible for the 1987 rape and strangulation murder of 17-year-old Barbara Blatnik.

People Magazine

May 8, 2020

AKRON, Ohio – Police have made an arrest in the 1987 murder of a 17-year-old Ohio girl using DNA genealogical research. James E. Zastawnik, 67, of Cleveland, has been charged with murder in the death of Barbara Blatnik, whose body was found in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

USA Today

May 7, 2020

Cuyahoga Falls police today announced the arrest of 67-year-old James Zastawnik of Cleveland for the December 1987 murder of Barbara Blatnik. Blatnik was just 17 when her nude, strangled body was found near Blossom Music Center, some 30 minutes away from her home, five days before Christmas.

The Cleveland Scene

May 6, 2020

Genetic genealogy is helping to crack cold cases and identify victims left nameless for decades. The process is surprisingly effective—and controversial.

The Texas Observer

May 4, 2020

Colleen Fitzpatrick has always had a passion for genealogy. And languages. And math. She grew up in New Orleans, studied physics at Rice University, and earned a PhD in nuclear physics at Duke University in 1983.

Physics Today

April 9, 2020