A new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom last month expands the state's use of DNA technology in missing persons investigations. Previously limited to identifying deceased individuals, the updated California Missing Persons DNA Program can now also be used to identify unknown living persons. This expansion allows state forensic resources to assist in a wider range of investigations, including thousands of cold cases.

The program supports coroners, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies across California in identifying missing or unknown individuals. State Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of the law, stating, "No family should know the prolonged uncertainty of waiting for answers, and together we’re making it clear that California takes action."

The changes are expected to make forensic identification resources more accessible to investigators and provide long-awaited answers to families. AB 2018, the legislation behind the expansion, has been described as "the right tool at the right time that will advance California’s ability to resolve missing persons cases and rekindle hope."

The expanded authority coincides with ongoing efforts by law enforcement and forensic specialists in Northern California who are utilizing newer DNA-analysis techniques to examine cold cases.

Separately, a man accused of killing his partner was arrested in Mexico nearly two years after fleeing with their two children, highlighting ongoing challenges in missing persons and related investigations.

Sources