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.”
