She said investigative genetic genealogy has since been used to solve about 1,000 cases, but that there's still a long way to go. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) There's a "tremendous need" and ...

Kentucky law enforcement agencies are increasingly using forensic genealogy to identify crime victims and suspects.

In early 2024, the state police started a cold case unit which included lab personnel being trained in the use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy and familial DNA investigative techniques.

Forensic genealogy uses DNA ... Then, last spring, his DNA was finally matched to that of a Louisville man — thanks to the use of a fairly new investigative tool among Kentucky police.