DNA Doe Project is a trailblazer in the development and deployment of investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). We resolve cases of unidentified human remains for every community.

Our all-volunteer research teams are some of the best investigative genetic genealogists in the field, giving of their time and talent to achieve the common goal of reuniting Jane and John Does with their families and communities.

We partner with law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and coroners from across the county to help them resolve their toughest cases.

 

Our Cases

Since our founding in 2017, DNA Doe Project has worked on more than 200 cases of unidentified remains. Among our success stories are the very first identifications made using investigative genetic genealogy.

At DNA Doe Project, we don’t just take on the ‘easy’ cases — we accept those from every community, regardless of circumstance, racial or gender identity, or cause of death. It can take months or years to identify these individuals, but we don’t give up. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to maintain their name and identity, even in death. We work every day to make that reality. 

Each month we feature one of our active cases, giving the public the opportunity to see if they could be the match to help resolve the case. Click here to review this month’s featured case.

 

DNA Doe Project News

A message from our founder, Margaret Press

Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) has been in the news recently as a technique that may have been used to identify killers in some very high profile cases. In light of questions being asked about the the work of the DNA Doe Project and our code of ethics, we have spent some time reviewing our own history. Click this link to read Margaret's...

DNA Doe Project Celebrates 100

On National DNA Day 2023, the DNA Doe Project is celebrating with a milestone – we have resolved 100 cases of unidentified remains! Learn more and join the celebration today. Less than 6 years after its founding, the DNA Doe Project has reached an important milestone: its 100th identification. That’s 100...

Winter Practicum Test Answers

DNA Doe Project recently concluded the winter practicum program (formerly called the apprentice program), which occurred over four weeks in January 2023. The practicum program provides experienced genetic genealogists with the opportunity to work on a real, unsolved unidentified remains case, giving them practical experience in investigative...

Collaboration begun to identify victims from Tulsa in 1921

The DNA Doe Project is honored to work with Intermountain Forensics and the Utah Cold Case Coalition on the initiative to identify victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The success of this project depends on the participation of the community and relatives of the victims. Please visit www.intermountainforensics.com/tulsadnaproject to learn...

Collaboration to improve DNA sequencing

DNA Doe Project is delighted to be chosen to work with Astrea Forensics, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Arc Bio on a new way to process degraded DNA samples that could help solve even more cases.

“When we are born, the first thing we receive is a name, and that should be the one thing we get to keep when we die. Everyone is someone’s child and has family, no matter what path their life has followed. I feel that we’ve become almost caretakers for these lost souls until they can be returned to their family.”

Stuart Somershoe

Detective, retired