A new California law is expanding the state’s use of DNA technology in missing persons investigations, giving authorities another tool to identify unknown people and revisit unresolved cases.Gov.Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed the measure into law last month, loosening restrictions on California’s Missing Persons DNA Program.The program had previously been limited to identifying deceased individuals.
Under the expanded law, its database may also be used to identify unknown people who are alive, allowing state forensic resources to assist in a wider range of investigations.MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING PARTNER ARRESTED IN MEXICO NEARLY TWO YEARS AFTER FLEEING WITH THEIR TWO CHILDRENThe measure was signed into law last month by Democrat Gov.Gavin Newsom.
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)The program supports coroners, medical examiners and law enforcement agencies seeking to identify missing or unknown individuals across California."Any missing person case — adult, child, MMIP, or otherwise — is one too many.No family should know the prolonged uncertainty of waiting for answers, and together we’re making it clear that California takes action," state Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, said in a statement last month.TEEN FOUND IN SHALLOW CALIFORNIA VINEYARD GRAVE IDENTIFIED NEARLY 50 YEARS LATER AS FAMILY WARNS KILLER"AB 2018 is the right tool at the right time that will advance California’s ability to resolve missing persons cases and rekindle hope.
I look forward to continuing the vital work of delivering justice for missing persons and their loved ones," he continued.The program helps coroners, medical examiners and law enforcement agencies across the state to identify missing persons.(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Assemblymember James Ramos, a Democrat, authored the legislation.
He said the changes will make forensic identification resources more accessible to investigators and could help families who have waited years for answers."AB 2018 will help all fa...