DNA Breakthroughs in Idaho and Rachel Morin Cases Signal Shift — Experts Urge IGG as a First‑Line Investigative Tool

Forensic Lab Founder: Use DNA Like a Video Feed

Forensic scientist David Mittelman, founder of Othram, argues that recent rapid successes using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) in the Idaho student murders and the killing of Rachel Morin demonstrate that DNA analysis is now fast and affordable enough to be used early in active investigations — not only as a last‑resort confirmation.

"You should be reading the DNA the same way you're checking the video cameras," Mittelman told Fox News Digital. "Because the very first question you have is, who is at the scene? So check the cameras nearby, check the DNA, and then start your investigation."

What IGG Does and How It Helped

Traditional forensic DNA testing compares a crime‑scene sample against law enforcement databases (like CODIS) to find a direct match to a person with a prior record. Investigative genetic genealogy combines forensic DNA methods with consumer genealogy tools used to trace family connections, enabling investigators to identify unknown suspects who do not appear in criminal databases.

In both the Idaho student murders and the Maryland killing of Rachel Morin, investigators with limited leads engaged Othram to perform IGG work. According to Mittelman, IGG analyses helped direct authorities to the suspects — including Bryan Kohberger in the Idaho investigation and Victor Martinez‑Hernandez in the Morin case — who were later charged in those matters.

Speed, Cost and Policy Implications

Mittelman said IGG can be fast and relatively inexpensive: the Idaho identification, he says, took "a month or in weeks," with end‑to‑end DNA testing costs under $10,000. He contrasts that figure with typical investigative personnel expenses and argues that earlier IGG use could shorten investigations and prevent further crimes.

"So DNA goes from being the last step in the process as a confirmatory tool to the first step," Mittelman said. "It's like checking the video feed, except that you're checking the DNA feed."

Randolph Rice, an attorney who represented Morin's family, echoed the call for wider IGG adoption: "When IGG becomes as common as fingerprint and digital forensics, it will ensure that other families don't have to endure the same pain as the Morins. IGG should not be viewed as a last resort or a luxury; it should be a standard, front‑line investigative tool."

Limitations and Considerations

Mittelman noted that IGG is most useful when investigators have a usable DNA sample from serious crimes such as murder or sexual assault. He also said that in cases where perpetrators have already fled or committed other offenses — as he contends in the Martinez‑Hernandez instance — earlier IGG work could have led to faster identification.

At the same time, investigative genetic genealogy raises legal and ethical questions about privacy, data use and oversight. Many law enforcement agencies, consumer genealogy platforms and lawmakers are still developing policies to balance investigative benefits with civil‑liberties protections.

Bottom line: Proponents argue that IGG's increased speed and lower cost make it a reasonable candidate to move from a confirmatory role to a frontline investigative tool in serious cases — provided legal and ethical safeguards are in place.