Golden State Killer: What does that have to do with you?

Genealogy bloggers are abuzz with talk about the Golden State Killer case.  Mainly how did the cops use GedMatch (a third-party website where you can post your DNA to find matches who tested at other websites) to get a break in this decades-old case. 

Sylvia alerted us to these messages posted on the GedMatch site:

April 27, 2018 To correct a BIG misunderstanding, we do not show any person's DNA on GEDmatch. We only show manipulations of data such as DNA matches

April 27, 2018 We understand that the GEDmatch database was used to help identify the Golden State Killer. Although we were not approached by law enforcement or anyone else about this case or about the DNA, it has always been GEDmatch’s policy to inform users that the database could be used for other uses, as set forth in the Site Policy (linked to the login page and https://www.gedmatch.com/policy.php). While the database was created for genealogical research, it is important that GEDmatch participants understand the possible uses of their DNA, including identification of relatives that have committed crimes or were victims of crimes. If you are concerned about non-genealogical uses of your DNA, you should not upload your DNA to the database and/or you should remove DNA that has already been uploaded.

Some GedMatch users are incensed that detectives created an autosomal DNA sequence from crime scene DNA and loaded it to GedMatch.  They found hundreds of distant matches, researched their trees, and narrowed their suspects to 3-5.  Lastly, they pursued the suspects, collected their DNA and compared to crime scene DNA. 

Detectives followed the same procedures that genealogists use all the time to identify birth parents.  Here’s Andrew Lee from Family History Fanatics on YouTube telling us the steps he thinks they went through in a quick 10-minute video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwuJCGMPGjs

Here are some facts:  GedMatch did not collaborate.  The detectives did not notify GedMatch they were doing this.  There was no subpoena.  Everything on GedMatch is public. 

GedMatch users say that they did not intend for their DNA to be used for this purpose.  I like Lisa Louise Cooke’s comment that she can’t think of a better purpose for GedMatch than to catch a serial killer.  Way to go, Lisa!  She has devoted a free Genealogy Gems podcast to this topic:

Episode #217

In this special episode, spend a thought-provoking hour with Lisa as she explores the Golden State Killer case and the investigators' use of genetic genealogy websites. Get ready for a deep dive into the questions we face, the reality of the current DNA environment, and what it all means for you.

Spend an hour with Lisa here:  https://lisalouisecooke.com/2018/05/09/episode-217-the-golden-state-killer-and-your-genealogy-and-dna/  This includes the shownotes where you can get an idea about what she covers in the podcast.

Some other favorite bloggers exploring this topic are:

Roberta Estes at DNA-eXplained here: https://dna-explained.com/2018/04/30/the-golden-state-killer-and-dna/

Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist and former federal prosecutor, lays out ethical concerns here:  https://www.legalgenealogist.com/2018/04/29/the-bull-in-the-dna-china-shop/

And the most comprehensive list of articles is by Debbie Kennett on Cruwys News where she keeps updating with new links.  Debbie reports from the UK and usually has a little different slant on things genealogical. 

https://cruwys.blogspot.com/2018/04/gedmatch-ysearch-and-golden-state-killer.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+Cruwysnews+(Cruwys+news)

Be reminded that if you have concerns about your DNA results being online or want to opt out of cousin matching, the testing services are providing options to remove or opt out.  The only way you can be sure that your information will be private is to not have it on the internet.