Trace Evidence

Authors

Kathryn Miles

Source

Down East

Date

10-2020

Pages

44,46-49

Abstract

Discussion of the ethics of familial DNA searches by law enforcement. Focuses on the 1993 murder of Sophie Sergie, a Native Alaskan student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the 2019 arrest of Mainer Steven Downs for the crime. Explains how Downs was identified as a suspect by CeCe Moore of Parabon NanoLabs by searching DNA profiles catalogued by companies like 23 and Me and Ancestry.com for a familial match to DNA left at the crime scene. Discusses the legal and ethical implications of DNA collection by private companies and its use by government officials.

Recommended Citation

Miles, Kathryn, "Trace Evidence" (2020). Maine News Index - Down East Magazine. 5492.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_downeast/5492