Alternative workflows for identifying transnational missing persons

Abstract

Mass migration and migrant death at the U.S. southern border highlight the disconnectedness of the systems for transnational decedent identifications. Death investigation cases in Texas face delays and barriers at all stages of an investigation. Additionally, fragmentation of DNA databases exacerbate challenges in comparing genetic samples from unidentified human remains (UHR) and families of the missing. We sought to pilot alternative workflows for processing UHR and family reference samples (FRS) for the identification of probable migrant decedents. Primarily using Rapid DNA, but also accredited non-CODIS DNA laboratories, the piloted approaches were conducted in parallel to existing medicolegal workflows under the relevant case jurisdictional guidance. Our data show that Rapid DNA is a valid path for anthropology laboratories to support identification hypotheses and that accredited non-CODIS forensic and genetic laboratories also can support families to identify remains, especially when families reside outside of the United States.

Keywords

• Rapid DNA
• DNA forensics
• Missing persons investigations