They were! Everyone thought I bought them at a bakery :)

Made some bread boules to bring to Thanksgiving yesterday, and I’m really happy with how they turned out! The denser loaf was about 60% hydration, while the airier one was 70%. It was really neat to see the difference that makes!

Cold Case Victim Identified Using Investigative Genetic Genealogy Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, November 10, 2025) – Detectives with the CMPD Cold Case Unit have identified a 2016 deceased victim using forensic investigative genetic genealogy.

So much dedication went into his identification, from the volunteers and staff at the Ramapo IGG Center to CMPD. After more than 10 years, his family finally has some answers.

Rest in peace, Kenneth. You were never forgotten by those who loved you. 💐 #nj #nc

www.charlottenc.gov/cmpd/News-In...

I had such a great time speaking at the the Morristown & Morris Township Library (NJ) earlier this month!

Thank you to James for inviting me to share about Investigative Genetic Genealogy, and to everyone who came out on such a beautiful (and unusually warm!) day.

Over the next month I’ll be doing a few presentations both online (Allen Co) and in-person (Morris/#NJ) on Investigative Genetic Genealogy and the offerings at the Ramapo College IGG Center.

Hope you can join me! Click on the link in my profile to sign up for either of the library presentations.

Help unsolved cases of murder, missing persons and serial offenses | Solve the Case Solve the Case provides free tools and services to collaboratively help unsolved cases of murder, missing persons and serial offenses.

Have you checked out Solve the Case yet?

It’s a free, collaborative platform built to bring attention and help find answers to unsolved cases. I’ve added a few NJ cases, but countless others across the country need more visibility.

www.solvethecase.org

#ColdCases #Unidentified #UnsolvedCases

At the past two hotels I've stayed at, a fire alarm has gone off. First day back in the office after CrimeCon and there's a fire drill. I'm beginning to wonder if it's me...😆

Learning about DNA Doodle - Google Doodles Learn more about the creation of Learning about DNA Doodle and discover the story behind the unique artwork.

Today's Doodle on Google! "Learning about DNA"

doodles.google/doodle/learn...

GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA are open to anyone, but LE has to upload through GEDMatchPro & the FTDNA forensic portal and those kits aren’t visible to the public.

Most of the people doing this work are volunteers, but since these are law enforcement cases, LE can’t really be taken out of the process. Also, the databases aren’t owned by law enforcement but used with permission.

IGG practitioners like myself also have access, but I do understand your perspective and concerns.

If access were open to the general public, it could put the integrity of investigations at risk, especially in criminal cases, which is why it is limited to professionals in this field.

Flat Rock Brook

And I forgot to mention that she currently lives at Flat Rock Brook nature preserve in Englewood, NJ so others can visit her as well!

www.flatrockbrook.org

I met Tilly at work today, and it took a lot of willpower not to pet her. 😂

(I asked, but we weren’t allowed)

Seeing someone’s reaction to discovering a match to a Jane or John Doe is such a profound experience but beyond that, every new upload to #GEDmatch is potentially one step closer to finding out who they are and to giving their families the answers they’ve been waiting for. 💛

Heading to #CrimeCon in Denver next month? Stop by the Ramapo College IGG Center booth (43) with your GEDmatch kit number to see if YOU are a DNA cousin to any of these eight John and Jane Doe cases. Learn more about how to upload to GEDmatch by watching our video here: youtu.be/d2swhKzeYuI?...

Mother of Murder Victim Reveals Disturbing Past: She Once Helped Serial Killer Husband Dispose of Bodies Norma Patton made the shocking revelation during the murder trial against her late daughter's former husband

I haven’t been following this trial, but it definitely took an unexpected twist. #Atlanta #WolfenbargerTrial

people.com/mother-of-mu...

Additional thoughts:
1) I cried at least once during every episode. Hearing from the families was heart-wrenching (and heart warming in some cases)
2) They mentioned public databases, but never specified GEDmatch and FTDNA....I'm curious as to why?

Naming the Dead | Official Trailer | National Geographic YouTube video by National Geographic

If you haven’t watched Naming the Dead, I highly recommend it! It breaks down the IGG process while honoring the stories of the long-unidentified. Loved seeing some of my former colleagues at @dnadoeproject.bsky.social and couldn’t be prouder of the work they continue to do

youtu.be/yvXkziwHGPU?...

Thank you!

Search the BIRLS Database - over 18 million records about deceased US veterans, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, now online and FREE from Reclaim The Records Search the BIRLS Database - over 18 million records about deceased US veterans, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, now online and FREE from Reclaim The Records

Oh and they updated the site with a bit of an explanation as to what happened and guidance for next steps as well: www.birls.org/updates

I plan to appeal.

The first one I received was for my great grandfather, so I’m a direct descendant.

Plus, there numerous others who have received the full files so I’ll be mentioning that as well.

Thanks, Stephen!!

Thanks! Sounds like we got started with DNA around the same time. 🙂

I shifted into working on unidentified human remains cases in 2018, and IGG has been a big part of my work ever since. I still take on genealogy and genetic genealogy client work too though!

Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Board | IGGAB.ORG Ensuring Competence and Ethical Practice in the Field of ​Investigative Genetic Genealogy

I’m officially an Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist (AIGG)!

It’s been a long road since I started in 2018, and I’m so proud (and honestly a little emotional) to have earned this. Very thankful for everyone who has been part of this journey 💜

#GeneticGenealogy #IGGAB

www.iggab.org

Naming the Dead | Official Trailer | National Geographic YouTube video by National Geographic

Melody was beloved by her family, but went for more than 40 years without her name. Her story will be shared on National Geographic TV, Disney+ and Hulu this August. It was a privilege to work on her case alongside my former colleagues at DNA Doe Project.

We also started potatoes and while the wind did a job on them, they are still flowering on schedule :)

Garden update! About a month ago, we started our first little garden and now we have finally hit the fruiting stage. 🍅🫑

Connect Your WikiTree to FamilyTreeDNA FamilyTreeDNA has partnered with WikiTree! Learn how to link your collaborative tree, view your matches’ trees, and explore powerful DNA tools.

WikiTrees can now be connected to FamilyTreeDNA 🎉

blog.familytreedna.com/connect-wiki...

#geneticgenealogy #ftdna

From what I’ve gathered, her mom did confirm it was him, but I’d love to know how close the closest paternal match was. McGuire is a fairly common Irish surname, and I see strange coincidences all the time..

I picked up on that as well and haven’t found any info suggesting that she did consult a genetic genealogist prior to filing. I’m hoping that parts have been left out and it isn’t all based off a distant cousins last name.