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Assignment: Finding Grace

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Finding Grace

15/07/2021 GMT

BBC World Service - Assignment, Finding Grace

James Clayton on a new technique for solving cold case murders using ancestry websites

An unknown young woman’s decomposed body was found 30 years ago in Missouri. A new technique using ancestry websites revealed her true identity and could solve other cold cases.

In November 1990 a body of a woman was discovered - near an abandoned farm house in Missouri. The victim had been restrained with six types of rope. Police had no idea who she was, let alone who had killed her. With no clues to go on, and no leads, the police dubbed her ‘Grace’ after one officer said ‘only by the grace of god will she be identified’. For three decades there wasn’t a single lead in the case. However earlier this year, the young woman was identified using a revolutionary technique. It combines advanced DNA genome processing with genealogy websites which people use to trace ancestors and build their family trees. The BBC’s North American technology reporter, James Clayton, discovers Grace’s true identity and meets the victim’s siblings who are grateful to finally get some sense of closure after years of uncertainty. The new method has already solved hundreds of cold cases across America. Yet some worry that uploading DNA onto police databases violates privacy and could be open to abuse.

Radio producer in London - Lucy Ash

(Image: Shawna Beth Garber aged two, who was later known to police as "Grace." Picture courtesy of Danielle Pixler)

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