Prosecutors claim the role of IGG in narrowing down suspects was important. They cite the construction of family trees from DNA data as instrumental in identifying Kohberger.
The defense contends that the use of IGG needs a close review. They are advocating for comprehensive access to all DNA evidence pertinent to the case.
The use of IGG evidence raises profound questions regarding privacy rights and evidentiary standards. Courts are just beginning to encounter the admissibility and ethical issues of this new forensic technique. The Kohberger trial will likely serve to test of its legal validity and to develop case law on the subject.
The outcome of the Kohberger case may not only determine his fate but also shape the future of investigative genetic genealogy’s use in criminal proceedings.
