The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Forensic Assistance Unit and DNA Registration Project
Assisting Law Enforcement, Medical Examiners, and Coroners with the Recovery and Identification of Missing Persons
B.J. Spamer Forensic Case Specialist Office: 913-469-5437 Cell: 913-387-7004 Email: [email protected] Kansas Branch Office
A Brief Overview of NCMEC
• Nonprofit established in 1984 – All services provided at NO COST • Assist law enforcement with cases of children up to 20 years of age • Some of our divisions: – Missing Child Division / International Missing Child Division • Call Center (1-800-THE-LOST); Case Management; Photo Distrib uti on; F orensi c A ssi stance U ni t – Exploited Child Division • Child Victim Identification Program; CyberTipline – Case Analysis and Support Division • Special Analysis (Sex Offender Tracking Unit); Background Check Unit – Family Advocacy Division – Training and Education Division (law enforcement training)
NCMEC Missing Children’s Division
MISSING CHILDREN’S DIVISION
Forensic Assistance Unit Case Management
CldCCold Case U Uitnit FiForensic Imaging Unit NEWLY REPORTED CASES OF:
Long Term Missing Unidentified Age Progressions Endangered Runaways Children Deceased Composites from Family Abductions Children Murdered Child Skulls & Postmortem Non-Family Abductions Case Reviews Photos Lost, Injured or Otherwise Missing
DNA Registration Project
1 Case Management
Cases reported to the Forensic Assistance Unit (FAU) are entered into computerized database systems that allow the cases to be routinely monitored and compared for potential matches between missing and unidentified children. Searches are based on comparisons of physical descriptors, dental records, locations, etc.
The Forensic Assistance Unit
The FAU also uses a multitude of outside resources for comparisons between missing and unidentified children
• NCIC automatic notifications • NCIC offline searches • Local, regional and statewide law enforcement missing person websites • Privately operated missing person websites
The National Unidentified Decedent Reporting System (UDRS)
• Searchable nationwide database of unidentified remains
• Publicly accessible from www. identifyus. org
• NCMEC has been granted access to enter cases into the UDRS
• Part of the NamUs project
UDRS Database
2 The National Unidentified Decedent Reporting System (UDRS)
• Enables the entry of very detailed information on each unidentified case • Robust search capabilities
Project ALERT
• America’s Law Enforcement Retiree Team
• All volunteers were sworn officers who have extensive experience with missing child and/or homicide investigations
• NCMEC pays all expenses for volunteers (airfare, hotel, per diem, etc.)
• Project ALERT volunteers can assist with interviews, case organization, searches, etc.
The FAU’s ViCAP Project
The FAU maintains a database of child homicides, to include specific information about each offender, victim, and crime. This data has been stored in a custom database application and used to search for possible links between cases.
The data is currently being transferred into an in-house ViCAP database for more complex search capabilities.
This project will also allow the FAU to offer law enforcement agencies the opportunity to have their cases submitted to the national ViCAP database through the FAU’s partnership with ViCAP.
3 Other Investigative Support
• The FAU has recently acquired iBase and Analyst Notebook, two software applications that can be used to:
• Analyze large volumes of case data • Search for links across cases • Create timeline and association charts
Cold Case Reviews
Cold Case Missing Child Reviews NCMEC sponsors Cold Case Reviews, at which detectives and prosecutors are invited to present their cold cases to a panel of selected experts who help develop new leads and investigative suggestions.
Murdered Child Case Reviews Retired criminal investigators review cases of recent or longlong--termterm unsolved child homicide cases to develop potential suspects or investigative leads.
The Forensic Imaging Unit
• Facial Reconstructions/Composites – From skulls – From postmortem photographs
• Age Progression – Long-term missing children
• Age Regression
• Missing / Unidentified Comparisons – Identifying points of comparison –Superimposition
4 Reconstructions from Skulls
Working with anthropologists, Forensic Imaging Specialists at NCMEC prepare facial reconstructions from skulls for distribution to the public.
New Forensic Imaging Technology
• Composites are now created in three-dimensional, virtual sculpting software. • Skulls are first sent to the Smithsonian Institute, where a CAT scan is performed. • The data file from the scan is loaded into the sculpting software to create a 3-D image of the skull on-screen.
Paula Stewart went • The artist then sculpts the missing from Hobart, IN composite in a virtual in 1980 environment, allowing the images to be created without risking damage to the remains.
Composites from Post-Mortem photos
(above) Composite image of “Precious Doe”, a (above) Composite image of an unidentified female previously unidentified child found deceased in found in White Haven, PA on December 20, 1976 Kansas City, MO on April 28, 2001
(left) Composite image of a previously unidentified female found in Polk County, Florida.
5 Superimposition
Facial photographs of missing persons are superimposed over post mortem phthotograp hs to hlhelp identify cases that require additional consideration and forensic testing.
Identifying Points of Comparison
Michael Burkle at 16 years of age
Comparison of Michael Burkle’s childhood photographs to autopsy photographs
Age Progression
6 Media Distribution
• Poster Partners • ChoicePoint fax distributions • Traffix email distributions • Online at www.missingkids.com • Locater Posters
Special Alert Posters
Distributed to missing persons units, medical examiners, coroners, and private businesses throughout the United States.
Posters can be targeted to specific industries, such as dentistry, health clinics, etc.
Identifications
Jane Doe found in Granville, NC Jane Doe found in Deerfield, OH Jane Doe found in Joliet, IL identified as 16-year-old Chrystle identified as 14-year-old Sara identified as 14-year-old Haqikah Edmonds, missing from Waldorf , Boehm, missing from Rochester , NY. “Kekah” Suggs, who had not yet MD. been reported missing.
Jane Doe found in Westminster, CO Jane Doe found in Las Vegas, NV Jane Doe found in Polk County, FL identified as 26-year-old Catrina identified as 28-year-old Joshua identified as 22-year-old Ronette Renee Powell, who had not yet been Johnson, who had not yet been Peterson, missing from Madrid, IA. reported missing. reported missing.
7 The FAU’s DNA Registration Project
In June 2004, the FAU entered into a partnership with UNT to provide free DNA profiling services for missing and unidentified deceased child cases. Since the program began, the FAU has submitted of over 400 DNA profiles to the NDIS and has identified 15 long-term missing persons through the DNA program alone.
The first missing children to have reference DNA profiles loaded into CODIS through the FAU (left to right): Deborah Quimby, Angela Ramsey, Michael Andrews, and Pamela Pedro
NCMEC DNA Registration Project
• Purpose of the Program: – To supplement nationwide missing person DNA collection efforts by coordinating collections and CODIS submissions for localities and states that do not have their own programs and/or means to perform necessary DNA analyses. – To ensure that adequate reference samples are collected, subjected to the proper analyses, and loaded into the appropriate indexes of CODIS.
DNA Donor Considerations
Direct reference samples for missing persons are entered into CODIS and can be searched against ALL indexes (unidentified human remains, offender profiles, and forensic unknown profiles) .
Missing Person Index Convicted Offender Index Family Reference Forensic Index Index Unidentified Remains Index
8 DNA Donor Considerations
Reference samples provided by family members of missing persons can only be searched against the unidentified human remains index.
Missing Person Index Convicted Offender Index X Family Reference X Forensic Index Index Unidentified Remains Index
Other Donor Considerations
MP • When collecting from the offspring of a missing person, collect the from the remaining parent for exclusionary purposes (STR profiles). • When collecting a direct reference sample (e.g., toothbrush), collect family reference samples for confirmation purposes. • More family reference samples provide higher statistical probabilities when a possible match is discovered.
Adequate Family Reference Samples
Increasing the total number of family reference samples collected will increase the statistical probability of a DNA identification to a level that eliminates all doubt.
For example, with only an STR analysis of one parent’s sample, NCMEC received a probability of identification that was 1,828 times more likely than not that the missing person was the John Doe. In another case, both the mother and father’s DNA samples were submitted. An STR and mtDNA analysis were conducted and it was determined to be 2.4 billion times more likely that the missing person was the John Doe.
9 DNA Collection Process – Missing Children
• If the locations of relatives are known and within the reporting party’s jurisdiction, collection kits are prepared and sent to the investigator for collection.
– If relatives are outside of the reporting jurisdiction, NCMEC will locate the correct law enforcement agency, solicit collection assistance, and coordinate the collection and profiling for CODIS.
• If the locations of relatives are unknown, NCMEC will search a multitude of public records databases in an effort to locate them for the DNA collection.
Family Reference Sample DNA Collection Kits
The FAU’s DNA Registration Project
All DNA specimens are tracked from collection through entry into CODIS in a custom NCMEC database application.
This database enables all samples to be maintained under a proper chain of custody and all laboratory paperwork to be automatically created.
10 The FAU’s DNA Registration Project
As each DNA profile is loaded into CODIS, all DNA donors and investigating agencies are sent letters of confirmation.
Law enforcement also receives a copy of the official confirmation letter from the UNT laboratory.
Current State of NCMEC Program
• Since 2006, there have been 15 cold case missing persons identified through the NCMEC / UNT partnership, with the oldest case dating back to 1979.
– 11 identifications were the result of “warm hits” – potential matches discovered through investigation and submitted for DNA comparison.
– 4 identifications were the results of “cold hits” which would likely never have been made without CODIS.
A Proactive Tool for Identifications
Leads and identifications continue to be received through other avenues, such as composite sketches and dental comparisons.
Jane Doe found in Westminster, CO Jane Doe found in Las Vegas, NV Jane Doe found in Joliet, IL identified as 26-year-old Catrina identified as 28-year-old Joshua identified as 14-year-old Haqikah Renee Powell. Johnson. “Kekah” Suggs.
None of these children were reported missing until composites created by NCMEC imaging artists were released to local media outlets.
The DNA project is a proactive tool that is used in conjunction with other investigative resources, and has helped resolve common issues that arise…
11 DNA Overcoming Missing/Unidentified Person Data Issues
• Some issues with traditional missing/unidentified person databases that can prevent or impede identifications: – Errors in dates of last contact entered into NCIC • Ex: Missing person with transient lifestyle or re-entry of long- term cases without original reports to verify the DLC. – Outdated dental records – Errors in dental charting or dental data entry into NCIC • Ex: Reversing dental chart or miscounting a tooth number. – Inability to accurately pinpoint DOD due to condition of remains – Fragmented and/or skeletal remains with little to no known physical descriptors – Missing persons not entered into NCIC or removed due to lack of validation, failure of family to report the disappearance, etc.
Cold CODIS Hit - Missing Person Not in NCIC
• Marci Bachman was 16 years of age when she ran away from her home in Washington state in May 1984.
• After receiving a report that Marci was seen in Seattle, her missing person entry was removed from NCIC and she was never re-entered. Marcella “Marci” Cheri Bachman Only photo available
Cold CODIS Hit - Missing Person Not in NCIC
• In August 1984, a woman calling herself “Robin” hitchhiked to Missoula, MT.
• Robin was befriended by Wayne NhltdidtbNance, who was later discovered to be a serial killer.
• Robin’s body was recovered from a shallow grave on December 24, 1984 “Robin” and Wayne Nance and she remained unidentified for over circa 1984 20 years. • Nance died during a botched murder attempt in 1986 before he was linked to Robin’s death.
12 Cold CODIS Hit - Missing Person Not in NCIC
• In August 2004, NCMEC contacted the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office to offer free DNA profiling and CODIS entry for their Jane Doe case.
• STR and mtDNA profiles were developed by UNT and loa de d in to the Texas Stat e DNA I nd ex S yst em. Th e STR profile was sent to the national CODIS database.
• In 2006, the King County Sheriff’s Office collected DNA samples from the family of Marcella Bachman, whose original missing person report surfaced in an unrelated investigation into women reported missing during the timeframe of the Green River serial killings.
Cold CODIS Hit - Missing Person Not in NCIC
• In April 2006, the family reference profiles for Marcella Bachman confirmed that the Missoula, MT Jane Doe known only as “Robin” for over 21 years was Marcella Cheri Bachman.
• Special thanks to the following investigators and organizations whose cooperation and diligent investigation helped make this identification possible:
– Det. Raphael Crenshaw • King County Sheriff’s Dept.
– Captain Gregory Hintz • Missoula County Sheriff’s Dept.
– University of North Texas
Cold CODIS Hit – NCIC Inconsistencies
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON MISSING PERSON ENDANGERED
TYP/D-UNIDENTIFIED-DECEASED NAM/VINCENT, TAMMY ANN SEX/F RAC/W SEX/F RAC/W HGT/506-506 WGT/120-125 DOB/19620319 HAI/BRO EYE/BLU EYB/1959-1960 HGT/507 WGT/140 EYE/BLU HAI/BR0 MNP/MP DLC/19800101 DBF/19790926 EDD/19790926
DENTAL INFORMATION DENTAL CHARACTERISTICS DENTAL CHARACTERISTICS 1X 32V 01V 32V 2V 31O 02V 31V 3V 30OF 03V 30V 4V 29V 04V 29V 5V 28V DATE BODY FOUND IS OVER 3 05V 28V 6V 27V MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE 7V 26V 06V 27V 8V 25V OF LAST CONTACT IN NCIC. 07V 26V 9V 24V 08V 25V 10V 23V THE MISSING PERSON LED A 09V 24V 11V 22V TRANSIENT LIFESTYLE AND 10V 23V 12V 21V 11V 22V 13V 20V THE DLC ENTERED INTO NCIC 12V 21V 14MO 19O WAS THE BEST ESTIMATE OF 13V 20V 15OD 18V 140L 19V 16V 17X WHEN SHE WENT MISSING 15V 18V 16/ 17/
13 Cold CODIS Hit – NCIC Inconsistencies
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON MISSING PERSON ENDANGERED
TYP/D-UNIDENTIFIED-DECEASED NAM/VINCENT, TAMMY ANN SEX/F RAC/W SEX/F RAC/W HGT/506-506 WGT/120-125 DOB/19620319 HAI/BRO EYE/BLU HGT/507 WGT/140 EYE/BLU HAI/BR0 EYB/1959-1960 MNP/MP DLC/19800101 DBF/19790926 EDD/19790926 DENTAL CHARACTERISTICS DENTAL INFORMATION DENTAL CHARACTERISTICS 01V 32V 1X 32V 02V 31V 2V 31O 03V 30V 3V 30OF DENTAL 04V 29V 4V 29V 05V 28V 5V 28V INCONSISTENCIES 06V 27V 6V 27V 07V 26V 7V 26V Outdated Records for Missing 08V 25V 8V 25V 09V 24V 9V 24V Person? 10V 23V 10V 23V 11V 22V 11V 22V Dental Chart Errors? 12V 21V 12V 21V 13V 20V 13V 20V NCIC Data Entry Errors? 140L 19V 14MO 19O 15V 18V 15OD 18V 16/ 17/ 16V 17X
Cold CODIS Hit – NCIC Inconsistencies
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON MISSING PERSON ENDANGERED UNIDENTIFIED PERSON TYP/D-UNIDENTIFIED-DECEASED NAM/VINCENT, TAMMY ANN SEX/F RAC/W TYP/D-UNIDENTIFIED-DECEASED SEX/F RAC/W HGT/506-506 WGT/120-125 DOB/19620319 SEX/F RAC/W HGT/506-506 WGT/120-125In 2007, a cold CODIS hit HAI/BRO EYE/BLU HAI/BRO EYE/BLU HGT/507 WGT/140 EYE/BLU HAI/BR0 EYB/1959-1960 EYB/1959-1960 MNP/MP DLC/19800101 DBF/19790926DBF/19790926facilitated EDD/19790926 EDD/19790926 the identification of this DENTAL INFORMATIONDENTAL INFORMATION DENTAL CHARACTERISTICS DENTAL CHARACTERISTICSDENTALmissing CHARACTERISTICS person after more than 1X 1X 32V 32V 01V 32V 2V 2V 31O 31O 02V 31V 3V 3V 30OF 30OF 03V 30V 4V 29V 25 years. 4V 29V 04V 29V 5V 28V 5V 28V 05V 28V 6V 27V 6V 27V 06V 27V 7V 26V 07V 26V 8V 7V 25V 26V 08V 25V 9V 8V 24V 25V 09V 24V 10V 9V 23VA match 24V using NCIC alone would 11V 10V 22V 23V 10V 23V 12V 11V 21V 22V 11V 22V 13V 12V 20V 21Vlikely never have occurred.12V 21V 14MO 13V 19O 20V 13V 20V 15OD 14MO 18V 19O 140L 19V 16V 15OD 17X 18V 15V 18V 16V 17X 16/ 17/
Warm CODIS Hit – Retesting Old Evidence Kimberly McClaskey went missing while hitchhiking to her cousin’s home in London Mills, IL on July 16, 1983.
Over 5 years later, a cranium was found by a local boy, who kept the remains another 5 years, thinking they were an Indian artifact.
The remains were eventually turned over to law enforcement, but DNA testing in 1993 yielded “inconclusive” results.
14 Warm CODIS Hit – Retesting Old Evidence In 2005, through its partnership with UNT, NCMEC coordinated the profiling of family reference samples for Kimberly McClaskey and a specimen from the Jane Doe. The results of the mtDNA and STR DNA analysis using new DNA technology made an identification that could not be made 13 years prior. The remains were identified as those of Kimberly McClaskey and returned to the family for a proper burial.
The Identification of Paula Stewart
Paula Stewart was 15 years of age when she went missing from Hobart, Indiana on June 28, 1980.
On December 16, 1980, the Lake County Police in Indiana located the remains of an unidentified deceased female. The remains were suspected to be those of Paula Stewart, however, there was no scien tific means b y whi c h to ma ke the iden tifica tion in 1980.
As the years went by, the body from Lake County was still officially unidentified and the remains were Paula Stewart went eventually buried in an unmarked grave in a local missing from Hobart, IN cemetery. in 1980
The case went cold as original investigators retired or passed away.
The Identification of Paula Stewart
In October 2006, a family member contacted NCMEC to report that Paula Stewart was still missing. The family member notified the FAU of the body in Lake County that was always suspected to be their missing loved one.
The FAU began working with law enforcement and the coroner’s office to locate the remains and coordinate an exhumation. DNA was collected from family members of Paula Stewart through the FAU’s DNA Registration Paula Stewart went missing from Hobart, IN Program and a private laboratory assisted in 1980 with the exhumation and DNA profiling of the decedent. The profiles were compared and a positive identification of Paula Stewart was made in July 2007 through both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis.
15 Unidentified Children at www.missingkids.com
B.J. Spamer Forensic Case Specialist Office: 913-469-5437 Cell: 913-387-7004 Email: [email protected]
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