Current:Home > MyNew York can resume family DNA searches for crime suspects, court rules-InfoLens
New York can resume family DNA searches for crime suspects, court rules
View Date:2024-12-23 12:19:39
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s highest court on Tuesday ruled police can resume a DNA searching method that can identify relatives of potential suspects, a technique that has helped solve crimes but caused privacy concerns.
The method, known as familial DNA searches, allows law enforcement agencies to search information in their DNA databases to find blood relatives of people who have left genetic material at a crime scene.
The order from the New York Court of Appeals allows the state to use such searches in criminal cases, reversing a lower court ruling from last year that blocked the practice.
The case was brought by two men whose brothers were convicted of crimes and had genetic information in the state’s databanks. They alleged that searches could improperly target them because of their family members’ crimes and that the technique was never approved by the state Legislature.
Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, writing for the majority, said that the state’s rulemaking process for the searches was legal and that regulations intended to protect privacy have resulted in very few search results provided to law enforcement.
Janine Kava, spokesperson for the state’s criminal justice services division, said the agency was pleased that the state can resume using the technique.
“The state’s familial search regulations provide law enforcement with another tool to solve violent crimes that have gone cold, eliminate individuals from suspicion, exonerate the wrongfully convicted and help provide closure when unidentified human remains are discovered,” she said in a statement.
The ruling applies only to the state’s DNA databank, not to databanks that are maintained by private companies for genealogy research.
Familial DNA famously led to an arrest in Los Angeles’ Grim Sleeper serial killings, which spanned from 1985 to 2007. Lonnie Franklin Jr. was convicted and sentenced to death this year.
veryGood! (33477)
Related
- Reese Witherspoon's Daughter Ava Phillippe Introduces Adorable New Family Member
- In Iowa, Candidates Are Talking About Farming’s Climate Change Connections Like No Previous Election
- Botched Smart Meter Roll Outs Provoking Consumer Backlash
- California’s New Methane Rules Would Be the Nation’s Strongest
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Mixed Use
- These LSD-based drugs seem to help mice with anxiety and depression — without the trip
- Millions of Americans are losing access to maternal care. Here's what can be done
- Today’s Climate: July 1, 2010
- MLS Star Marco Angulo Dead at 22 One Month After Car Crash
- Wisconsin mothers search for solutions to child care deserts
Ranking
- 13 Skincare Gifts Under $50 That Are Actually Worth It
- What the White House sees coming for COVID this winter
- Today’s Climate: July 10-11, 2010
- Jury convicts Oregon man who injured FBI bomb technician with shotgun booby trap
- Pie, meet donuts: Krispy Kreme releases Thanksgiving pie flavor ahead of holidays
- Artificial intelligence could soon diagnose illness based on the sound of your voice
- Prince Harry Absent From Royal Family Balcony Moment at King Charles III’s Coronation
- Sea Level Rise Threatens to Wipe Out West Coast Wetlands
Recommendation
-
Biden funded new factories and infrastructure projects, but Trump might get to cut the ribbons
-
Mama June Shannon Shares Update on Daughter Anna Chickadee' Cardwell's Cancer Battle
-
Debate’s Attempt to Show Candidates Divided on Climate Change Finds Unity Instead
-
Are Electric Vehicles Leaving Mass Transit in the Shadows?
-
Investigation into Chinese hacking reveals ‘broad and significant’ spying effort, FBI says
-
Barnard College will offer abortion pills for students
-
For stomach pain and other IBS symptoms, new apps can bring relief
-
Dearest Readers, Let's Fact-Check Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Shall We?