Phenotyping, Law Enforcement and Stable Isotope Analysis: Enriching Identification Dynamics through Medical Examiners

The Oregon State Police is requesting funds to conduct DNA phenotyping and Stable Isotopic Analysis on approximately 100 unidentified remains cases that remain in the Medical Examiner's office. Phenotyping results would deliver a life-like, photographic quality image of the facial characteristics, eye color, hair color, and skin color of the unidentified decedent from the extracted DNA profile and the Stable Isotopic Analysis will result in an isotopic signature that may indicate the geographic location in which an unidentified individual lived for the majority of their lives. This may be particularly helpful to law enforcement if the decedent had recently migrated to the Pacific Northwest (indicated by a recent change in their isotopic signature) so that officers may expand their investigation. Ultimately, the State Police will share the results with law enforcement to produce investigative leads to reduce the backlog of unidentified and missing persons cases.

CA/NCF