As we have been discussing in class lately, DNA database
examination has been in the news in wake of the Karina Vetrano case. Familial
searching is using the DNA database to find relatives of people who have been
charged with a crime. The argument is that if there is no exact match in the
database, that a search should be conducted to find close relatives of the
suspect. The state of New York does not authorize this method. Both officials
involved in the case and Vetrano’s parents have advocated for the
implementation of familial searching. The other side of the argument defends
the idea of this being an invasion of privacy of innocent people, or even more
seriously, someone being wrongfully acquitted based on the results of familial
searching.
This article mentions other cases, such as that of the
“Grim-Sleeper” in Los Angeles, CA, that led to an arrest because of the
information familial searching had come up with. I believe that this technique
should be authorized nation wide. Too often murder cases go unsolved even
though we have the tools and technology to solve them right in the palm of our
hands. Even when I put myself in the shoes of someone related to a possible
suspect, I would feel as though I am facilitating the justice system… I would not
be angry or frustrated with “having my privacy invaded”.
Check out this video of Vetrano's mother at the DNA hearing.
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