NYPD cases among those considered for family DNA testing

Ten unsolved homicide and rape cases are among the first being considered in New York State for use of the innovative familial DNA searching techniques in the hunt for possible suspects, law enforcement officials said.

The cases are the first in which police and local prosecutors are attempting to use the DNA process since it became effective in the state on Oct. 15. Eight of the 10 cases came from the NYPD, police said.

Familial searching is a two-step process in which unknown DNA is analyzed to determine, using probability analysis, if the genetic material may be related to someone whose profile is already in state databases. If there are any close matches, the DNA is subjected to further analysis to narrow down the list of possible relatives. Police may then interview the relatives in an effort to find a potential suspect and obtain evidence through regular investigative means, such as a search warrant.

Interest in the technique was sparked following the August 2016 killing of Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano. Detectives found unknown DNA evidence on Vetrano’s body and personal effects, but none of the genetic material matched samples kept in state and local databases. A suspect was ultimately arrested in the Vetrano case through conventional detective work.

Under new DNA regulations, local district attorneys and police have to apply to the State Division of Criminal Justice Services for forensic samples to be analyzed in homicides, sex crimes and other serious crimes.

Prosecutors must show that conventional investigative efforts haven’t proven successful or that an emergency exists. A spokeswoman for the criminal justice services division said the 10 applications being considered by the agency were for six rape cases, three combined rape/homicides and one homicide case. It was unclear when division officials would decide on whether actual genetic testing might be done.

The spokeswoman wouldn’t disclose which counties have applied for familial searching. But a spokeswoman for Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, without giving further details, said that three of the applications were made by his office. Officials for the Manhattan and Brooklyn District Attorney’s offices declined to comment, citing confidentiality. Spokesmen for the Bronx and Staten Island District Attorney’s offices, as well as the NYPD, were unavailable for comment Sunday.

A spokesman for the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office said investigators had not filed any familial search applications. A spokeswoman for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office wasn’t available during the weekend to comment.

In addition to New York, familial searching is used in 10 other states including California and Colorado. The process has led to the identification of a number of suspects, although experts note that familial testing doesn’t guarantee that potential suspects would be discovered in all cases.

While an arrest was made in the Vetrano case without familial searching, the victim’s family continued to support the procedure and said they were gratified at the developments.

“We are extremely pleased that we could be instrumental in making this happen,” Vetrano’s father, Philip, said on Sunday.

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.