Digest

This podcast episode delves into the complex process of identifying unidentified bodies, commonly referred to as "does." The episode begins with introductions from various podcast hosts, each highlighting their respective podcasts. The discussion then shifts to the ethical considerations involved in identifying a doe, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and caution, particularly when contacting the victim's family. The episode explores various resources available for identification, including Namus, a national database for missing and unidentified people. The hosts provide practical tips on navigating Namus and highlight its accessibility to both government agencies and the public. The episode also discusses the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its potential to unlock crucial information through requests for police reports and medical examiner records. The hosts emphasize the importance of online sleuthing, utilizing archival resources, forums, and social media to gather information about a doe. They share their experiences with using online databases, forums, and Reddit to uncover valuable clues. The episode also explores the use of Namus for missing person searches, suggesting that a doe might be a missing person who has been reported. The discussion delves into the process of investigating potential killers and using criminal profiling to identify a doe. The hosts share their experience with contacting a criminal profiler and the insights gained from the FBI's behavioral science unit. The episode then focuses on the steps to take after identifying a potential match for a doe, including contacting the relevant authorities and the role of DNA testing in confirming the identification. The episode introduces genetic genealogy as a method for identifying a doe, explaining the process of using DNA databases and family tree research to uncover potential relatives. The hosts emphasize the importance of persistence, faith, and the willingness to explore multiple avenues to uncover the truth.

Outlines

00:00:00

Identifying Unidentified Bodies: A Comprehensive Guide

This episode explores various methods and resources for identifying unidentified bodies, commonly referred to as "does." The discussion covers ethical considerations, online sleuthing, and utilizing databases like Namus and genetic genealogy.

00:04:11

Ethical Considerations in Identification

The episode delves into the ethical considerations involved in identifying a doe, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and caution, particularly when contacting the victim's family.

00:06:30

Utilizing Resources for Identification

The episode explores various resources available for identification, including Namus, a national database for missing and unidentified people. The hosts provide practical tips on navigating Namus and highlight its accessibility to both government agencies and the public.

00:12:50

Accessing Information Through FOIA Requests

The episode discusses the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its potential to unlock crucial information through requests for police reports and medical examiner records.

00:24:28

Online Sleuthing and Investigative Techniques

The hosts emphasize the importance of online sleuthing, utilizing archival resources, forums, and social media to gather information about a doe. They share their experiences with using online databases, forums, and Reddit to uncover valuable clues.

00:36:49

Genetic Genealogy: A Powerful Tool for Identification

The episode introduces genetic genealogy as a method for identifying a doe, explaining the process of using DNA databases and family tree research to uncover potential relatives. The hosts emphasize the importance of persistence, faith, and the willingness to explore multiple avenues to uncover the truth.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some ethical considerations to keep in mind when identifying an unidentified body?

  It's crucial to approach the task with sensitivity and caution, prioritizing the well-being of the victim's family and friends. Avoid contacting them directly without proper authorization from authorities.

• How can Namus be used to identify a doe?

  Namus is a national database that includes profiles of every reported missing person and unidentified body. You can search by location, age, race, and other details to find potential matches for your doe.

• What are the benefits of using FOIA requests to identify a doe?

  FOIA requests can unlock crucial information that might not be readily available online, such as police reports, medical examiner records, and post-mortem reports. This information can provide valuable clues about the doe's identity and circumstances.

• How can genetic genealogy be used to identify a doe?

  Genetic genealogy involves uploading DNA data from the doe to databases like 23andMe and using family tree research to identify potential relatives. This can help narrow down the search and ultimately identify the individual.

• What are some tips for online sleuthing when trying to identify a doe?

  Utilize online newspaper databases, forums, and Reddit to gather information about the doe. Search for articles, forum discussions, and social media posts that might contain relevant clues.

• What steps should you take after identifying a potential match for a doe?

  Contact the relevant authorities, such as the police department handling the doe case and the missing person's case if there is one. Provide them with your findings and allow them to investigate further.

• What are some drawbacks to using genetic genealogy for identification?

  Genetic genealogy relies on people having uploaded their DNA data to databases, which limits its effectiveness. There are also concerns about privacy and the cost of DNA testing.

• What is the importance of persistence and faith when identifying a doe?

  Identifying a doe is a complex and often challenging process. It requires persistence in exploring multiple avenues and faith that new evidence will emerge to uncover the truth.

Show Notes