The Army released the images last month after sending DNA data from 27 pieces of evidence to a private lab called Parabon to undergo a type of analysis called “phenotyping.” Phenotyping uses unidentified DNA to predict appearance and ancestry. In its press release, the Army heralded this new development as “state of the art science.” It’s a statement that has some DNA scientists and law enforcement experts fuming.
“Phenotyping is not state of art. It’s not the state of anything,” says retired Denver homicide detective Jon Priest. He is concerned that phenotyping gives false hope to victims’ families who are desperate for answers.
The new images have given Paul Krashoc new energy. He has always suspected that a fellow soldier killed Darlene, and now the phenotype has him convinced.
“This picture. If you look at the haircut, it indicates military,” he said.
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