To Identify Suspect in Idaho Killings, F.B.I. Used Restricted Consumer DNA Data - The New York Times

New revelations indicate the FBI identified Bryan Kohberger as a suspect in the 2022 University of Idaho quadruple homicide by accessing GEDmatch and MyHeritage DNA databases—consumer platforms that explicitly prohibit law enforcement searches without user consent. While this investigative approach ultimately led to Kohberger’s arrest for the brutal stabbings, it appears to contravene Justice Department policies that restrict authorities to databases with explicit notice about potential law enforcement usage. This case highlights both the remarkable capabilities of genetic genealogy in solving violent crimes and significant privacy concerns, as millions of Canadians and Americans submit DNA for recreational purposes without realizing these protective barriers may be circumvented during investigations, raising important questions about genetic privacy safeguards.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​