Genealogical sites have helped solve major crimes. Police in Nancy Guthrie's case might turn to them - Associated Press News
AP News
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Genealogical websites like Ancestry.com and FamilyTreeDNA have proven instrumental in solving major criminal cases by providing law enforcement with new leads through genetic genealogy. In recent years, police departments across the U.S. have turned to these platforms to identify suspects or locate missing individuals by analyzing DNA samples from crime scenes and matching them against publicly shared family trees.
The Associated Press reported that authorities investigating the decades-old murder of Nancy Guthrie in Idaho are considering using genealogical sites to crack the case. Guthrie, a 23-year-old mother, was found strangled in her home in 1994. Despite extensive efforts, the killer has never been identified. By uploading DNA evidence from the crime scene onto genetic databases, investigators hope to find a familial connection that could lead them to the perpetrator.
This approach has already shown success in high-profile cases, such as the capture of the Golden State Killer, where genetic genealogy helped identify Joseph DeAngelo after decades of avoiding detection. The use of these sites by law enforcement marks a significant shift in criminal investigations, blending traditional detective work with cutting-edge technology to solve even the most challenging cold cases.
While this method holds promise for solving crimes, it also raises questions about privacy and consent. Many users of genealogical websites are unaware that their DNA data could be used for surveillance or law enforcement purposes. As police turn to these tools more frequently, there is growing debate over how to balance public safety with individual privacy rights.
For readers interested in true crime and the intersection of technology with justice, this trend highlights both the potential and pitfalls of modern investigative techniques. It underscores how advancements in DNA science are reshaping law enforcement strategies while challenging societal norms around data usage and personal information.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026