National DNA Day: How Science Is Solving the Unsolvable

April 25 marks National DNA Day, a moment to recognize the science that has transformed the search for answers in some of the most difficult cases. Over the past 14 years, NCMEC has used DNA to help resolve more than 650 cases involving missing and unidentified deceased children.

When traditional investigative leads run out, DNA can help connect the dots. Tools like the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, known as CODIS, continue to play a critical role in solving cases, even today. By matching DNA profiles across local, state and national databases, CODIS has helped investigators generate leads and make identifications in cases that might otherwise remain unsolved.

Advances in forensic DNA testing and genetic genealogy have helped solve many long-standing cases. In some investigations, forensic genetic genealogy allows experts to identify potential relatives and build family trees, narrowing down an individual’s identity even when no direct match exists in law enforcement databases.

In 2024, NCMEC announced the Children’s Justice Project, a collaborative effort with the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, to accelerate the identification of children and youth who were found deceased and remain unidentified. Since its launch, the project has supported more than 59 identifications, with many more in progress. The first identification occurred just one year ago, when Danny Mitchell was finally identified after 45 years. 

National DNA Day is a reminder that even after many years, answers are still possible, and DNA may hold the key. If you've already uploaded your DNA to one of the major online companies like AncestryDNA, please consider uploading your data into FamilyTree DNA (FTDNA and GEDmatch and "opt-in" to law enforcement sharing. It's free to upload into FTDNA and GEDmatch, and your connections could help another family get closer to answers.

Below are just a few cases where investigators believe DNA could help give someone their name back.

Found in April 2002, Tempe Jane Doe was between 15 and 19 years old at the time of her death. Genealogy research has been ongoing since 2022 and indicates distant relatives with roots in rural southern Mexico, Peru and other parts of Central America.

In May 2016, skeletal remains were found near Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, Maryland. Investigators believe John Frederick Doe was between 16 and 19 years old at the time of his death. Genealogy research began in early 2025 and suggests possible ancestry from El Salvador or Honduras.

In September 2016, the skeletal remains of a small child were found inside a black suitcase in a pasture in Madisonville, Texas. Investigators believe the child was between 2 and 6 years at the time of her death. Genealogy research began in 2019 and reveals ancestral ties to Nuevo Leon, Mexico or El Salvador.

Each of these children has a story that has yet to be fully told. With continued advances in DNA technology and public awareness, there is hope that these cases, and so many others, can one day be resolved.

For more information on NCMEC’s work on unidentified cases, visit our website here: https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/helpidme.