Casework applications of probabilistic genotyping methods for DNA mixtures that allow relationships between contributors

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the application of advanced probabilistic genotyping methods to DNA mixture analysis involving related individuals, addressing complex relationship scenarios in forensic cases.

Contribution

It introduces a novel modeling approach for DNA mixtures with related contributors and applies it to real forensic cases, expanding the capabilities of DNA analysis.

Findings

Effective analysis of complex related DNA mixtures

Successful application to real forensic cases

Enhanced interpretation of DNA evidence involving relationships

Abstract

In both criminal cases and civil cases there is an increasing demand for the analysis of DNA mixtures involving relationships. The goal might be, for example, to identify the contributors to a DNA mixture where the donors may be related, or to infer the relationship between individuals based on a DNA mixture. This paper applies a recent approach to modelling and computation for DNA mixtures involving contributors with arbitrarily complex relationships to two real cases from the Spanish Forensic Police.