In Phase 3 of the Advocacy Blueprint, we move beyond the case narrative and into the lab. A cold case review and re-investigation isn’t just about reading files — it’s about conducting a Forensic Gap Analysis to determine what evidence still exists and what modern technologies, like Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), have yet to be applied.
1. The Evidence Audit–“What’s is the Box”?
Before any testing can happen, law enforcement has to ensure the evidence still exists and is legally “clean.” This is called the Chain of Custody. If a piece of clothing was moved from a freezer to a humid basement ten years ago, the DNA might be destroyed.
The Concept
You are verifying that the physical evidence (fingernail scrapings, clothing, ligatures etc.) is properly stored and accounted for.
What to ask the Investigator:
“Can you confirm the current physical location of the biological evidence? Has a recent inventory been done to ensure the ‘Chain of Custody’ is intact for [Specific Item]
2. Next-Gen Tech: “The Modern Toolkit”
Science moves faster than police budgets. A “negative” DNA result from 2010 does not mean there is no DNA; it just means the tools back then weren’t sensitive enough to “see” it.
The Concept
We look for Touch DNA (skin cells left behind) using tools like the M-Vac (a forensic "vacuum" that pulls DNA from porous surfaces like fabric) and SNP Sequencing (the tech used for Genetic Genealogy/Ancestry leads).
What to ask the Investigator:
Has the evidence been evaluated for ‘Touch DNA’ using vacuum-based recovery like the M-Vac? If a CODIS
profile wasn’t found, are we prepared to move to Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) using SNP sequencing?
3. Independent Consultation: “The Second Opinion”
Investigators can sometimes develop “tunnel vision.” Bringing in a retired medical examiner or a private forensic expert isn’t about insulting the police; it’s about providing a fresh perspective on old data.
The Concept
An outside expert reviews the original autopsy and toxicology reports to see if modern science suggests a different cause of death or a new profile of the perpetrator.
What to ask the Investigator:
Would the department be open to a ‘peer review’ of the forensic files by an outside specialist? We are looking to identify any patterns in the toxicology or autopsy that might align with modern criminal profiles
Download the evidence audit summary for advocates
FREE Download- the exact questions to ask at every stage of the evidence audit process
∗ Common pitfalls to avoid
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- Contacting media before confirming evidence is secured
- Sharing case details publicly before speaking to the detective
- Hiring a private investigator without vetting their cold case credentials
- Assuming a “closed” case cannot be reopened
National Resources for Cold Case Review & Re-Investigation
Season Of Justice
Season of Justice — DNA Testing Grant A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards grants to support law enforcement agencies in processing cold cases using advanced forensic tools including genetic genealogy.
Eligibility: Law enforcement agencies only
Othram’s Solve Your Case
Othram’s Solve Your Case Service Othram’s online platform routes cases to their accredited DNA analysis laboratory once funding is secured. Families can submit evidence when investigative testing has failed.
Eligibility: Must have biological evidence available
JusticeDrive / Parabon Nanolabs Grant / Case Application
JusticeDrive is a program run by Parabon Nanolabs that evaluates cases for funding DNA services. They accept case submissions, and, on a case-by-case basis, they allocate donated or general fund resources to provide advanced DNA services at no cost to the investigative agency when the case is eligible. Parabon’s Snapshot service provides genetic genealogy, phenotyping, kinship analysis, and ancestry inference, and JusticeDrive funding may be used to support such analyses when appropriate to the case.
Season of Justice: Law Enforcement DNA Testing Grant
Season of Justice (SOJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards DNA testing grants to support unsolved violent crime cases, especially where investigative agencies need access to advanced DNA technologies. Their grants support services such as forensic genetic genealogy, next-generation sequencing, crime scene reconstitution, and advanced testing of biological evidence. They do not typically fund “adult Doe” or “Baby Doe” identification only cases unless there is a clear nexus to homicide or violent crime.
JusticeDrive/Parabon Nanolabs
JusticeDrive / Parabon NanoLabs — Grant Application A program run by Parabon that evaluates cases for Genetic Genealogy. General fund resources provide advanced DNA analysis to investigative agencies when the case is eligible.
Eligibility: Law enforcement-submitted cases only
Cold Case Foundation
Cold Case Foundation — Investigative Support Network Nonprofit that assembles forensic experts and criminal profiles to assist in unsolved cases involving serious violent crime.
Eligibility: Law enforcement agencies, victims, and victims’ family members can all submit cases. Services are provided free of charge
Parents of Murdered Children — Second Opinion Services (SOS)
Parents of Murdered Children — Second Opinion Services (SOS) Provides volunteer panel of experts — retired forensic detectives, examiners, and attorneys — to review cases.
Eligibility: Immediate family members of a homicide victim or suspicious death victim (including cases officially ruled suicide, accidental, or natural causes where foul play is suspected) can request an SOS review by submitting case records directly to POMC. The service is free of charge to families nationwide.
JusticeDrive / Parabon Nanolabs Grant / Case Application
JusticeDrive is a program run by Parabon Nanolabs that evaluates cases for funding DNA services. They accept case submissions, and, on a case-by-case basis, they allocate donated or general fund resources to provide advanced DNA services at no cost to the investigative agency when the case is eligible. Parabon’s Snapshot service provides genetic genealogy, phenotyping, kinship analysis, and ancestry inference, and JusticeDrive funding may be used to support such analyses when appropriate to the case.
Season of Justice: Law Enforcement DNA Testing Grant
Season of Justice (SOJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards DNA testing grants to support unsolved violent crime cases, especially where investigative agencies need access to advanced DNA technologies. Their grants support services such as forensic genetic genealogy, next-generation sequencing, crime scene reconstitution, and advanced testing of biological evidence. They do not typically fund “adult Doe” or “Baby Doe” identification only cases unless there is a clear nexus to homicide or violent crime.
Cold Case Coalition (CCC) – Funding & Services
Cold Case Coalition (CCC) — Funding & Services A nonprofit that provides access to investigators, medical examiners, or forensic professionals to review evidence for families when law enforcement has fallen short.
Eligibility: Homicide victims’ families nationwide
Vidocq Society
Vidocq Society — Pro Bono Case Evaluation An exclusive invitation-only organization of forensic professionals that convenes monthly to review cold cases.
Eligibility: Law enforcement agencies only. The Society does not work directly with family members, friends, or other interested persons. The case must be unsolved an.d at least two years old.
JusticeDrive / Parabon Nanolabs Grant / Case Application
JusticeDrive is a program run by Parabon Nanolabs that evaluates cases for funding DNA services. They accept case submissions, and, on a case-by-case basis, they allocate donated or general fund resources to provide advanced DNA services at no cost to the investigative agency when the case is eligible. Parabon’s Snapshot service provides genetic genealogy, phenotyping, kinship analysis, and ancestry inference, and JusticeDrive funding may be used to support such analyses when appropriate to the case.
Season of Justice: Law Enforcement DNA Testing Grant
Season of Justice (SOJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards DNA testing grants to support unsolved violent crime cases, especially where investigative agencies need access to advanced DNA technologies. Their grants support services such as forensic genetic genealogy, next-generation sequencing, crime scene reconstitution, and advanced testing of biological evidence. They do not typically fund “adult Doe” or “Baby Doe” identification only cases unless there is a clear nexus to homicide or violent crime.
Download the Cold Case Review and Investigation Resource Directory
This guide is intended as a resource for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and the author is not a lawyer. Individual outcomes may vary based on the circumstances of each case, the practices of law enforcement agencies, and other factors. Resource availability, eligibility criteria, and program details are subject to change — always verify current information directly with each organization. You are encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney regarding any specific legal concerns or actions related to cold case advocacy.