Authorities may have a new tactic soon in the search to find the killer of Karina Vetrano.
Earlier this month, Queens Country District Attorney Richard Brown called on the state to authorize the use of familial DNA. Brown believes a familial DNA search, which would match DNA from the scene to possible relatives of the killer currently in the state’s database, could yield new information.
The State Commission on Forensic Science will now hold a special meeting to discuss familial DNA searching and whether it should be permitted in New York State. The meeting will take place Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1 Centre St., Manhattan.
“There is no question that DNA can help solve crime, obtain justice for victims, guard against wrongful arrests and conviction and exonerate the innocent,” Commission Chairman Michael C. Green said. “The Commission and its DNA Subcommittee look forward to receiving comments from all those interested as we move forward with a thorough review, based on proven science, to determine whether familial searching should be authorized in New York State.”
All individuals who wish to speak at the meeting must submit written comments relevant to the topic in writing by Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017.
The state Division of Criminal Justice Services, which provides staff support to the Commission and Subcommittee, is accepting submissions via e-mail atforensics@dcjs.ny.gov or surface mail to: Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Forensic Services, 80 South Swan St., Albany, New York 12210.
All written comments must be received by the Jan. 18 deadline so Commission and Subcommittee members can receive and review them prior to the joint meeting.
