More than 50,000 bodies remain unidentified across the U.S. Without a name, their stories remain untold, and their families are left without answers. The DNA Doe Project, a California-based nonprofit, is on a mission to change that. 

Using investigative genetic genealogy and a network of 80 dedicated volunteers, the organization is helping law enforcement agencies crack cold cases involving unidentified John and Jane Does — some of which have remained unsolved for decades.

Naming the Dead Through Science 

Founded in 2017 by Colleen M. Fitzpatrick, a physicist and former NASA and Department of Defense scientist, and Margaret Press, a computer programmer and novelist, the DNA Doe Project (DDP) has since worked on more than 250 cold cases.

Their work is now the subject of a six-part investigative series titled “Naming the Dead,” premiering on National Geographic.

“Our mission really resonates with our volunteers, who are all genetic genealogists,” said Jennifer Randolph, the current director of the DNA Doe Project. “It’s about restoring names, giving dignity back to the deceased, and providing long-awaited answers to families.”

Randolph, who holds degrees in anthropology and epidemiology, added, “This work beautifully combines my background in science with my passion for genealogy.”

How the Process Works

The DNA Doe Project receives cases from law enforcement or medical examiners when traditional methods—fingerprints, dental records, or facial reconstructions—have failed. 

DNA is extracted from the remains and sequenced into a digital format. That sequence is then uploaded to genealogical databases such as GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and DNAJustice.org, where volunteers begin the process of building family trees.

Through distant DNA matches and historical records like census data, volunteers trace potential relatives and narrow down the possibilities until a likely identification is made. Law enforcement agencies then confirm the identity by obtaining DNA samples from immediate family members.

Randolph noted, “Some cases have been solved within an hour or two. Others have taken as long as five years.”

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Relevant Links:

• Read More at American Press
• DNA Doe Project Official Website
• GEDmatch: Upload Your DNA
• Watch Naming the Dead on National Geographic

A Nonprofit Fueled by Public Support

The DNA Doe Project is entirely funded by donations, which means some agencies are left waiting due to limited resources.

“With the growing popularity and proven success of this technique, we’ve seen a surge in demand that’s outpaced our current funding,” Randolph said during an interview with the American Press.

The public can help by contributing financially or by uploading their DNA profiles to the aforementioned databases, thereby increasing the chances of finding matches in ongoing cases. Learn how you can help at dnadoeproject.org.

DNA Doe Project a New Era in Cold Case Investigations

What began as a grassroots collaboration has transformed into one of the most effective tools in solving cold cases involving unidentified remains. Fitzpatrick and Press brought together a community of scientists, genealogists, and volunteers who are now responsible for some of the first identifications ever made using investigative genetic genealogy.

“These are more than just cases,” Randolph emphasized. “These are people who deserve to be named, remembered, and mourned by their families.”

With tens of thousands of unidentified bodies still awaiting recognition, the DNA Doe Project continues to provide hope — one identity at a time.