Legislators should increase state funding for DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy of unidentified human remains, a state task force recommended.
The recommendations came from a Washington task force on missing and murdered Indigenous women and people in a report adopted unanimously on Nov. 20.
The report said DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy can help identify missing Indigenous people “and bring a measure of closure to families.” The primary barrier to testing is cost strapped agencies, according to the report.
DNA testing of remains costs approximately $2,500 and the approximate cost of forensic genetic genealogy is $8,000. The state provides financial assistance to local coroners and medical examiners through an account administered by the Forensic Investigation Council, the report says.
Task force members recommend that the Legislature provide one-time funding to the council in its Death Investigations Account to identify remains that have not yet had DNA testing completed and for forensic genetic genealogy if DNA testing fails to yield a match. The group also seeks ongoing funding to ensure needs are met, the report says.
You can read more in an article by Tammy Ayer published in the yakimaherald web site at: https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/wa-panel-recommends-more-funding-for-dna-testing-and-forensic-genealogy/article_5bc998dc-92ec-11ee-98c1-ebc7042d204d.html.