Unlocking Cold Cases: The Power of DNA Technology

In a world where some crimes go unsolved for years, a breakthrough in DNA technology is offering hope. Othram, a company based in Texas, is using advanced methods to extract DNA from old evidence. They then analyze it to build a profile of the suspect. This is not your average DNA test. It looks at hundreds of thousands of markers, making it highly accurate. Kristen Mittelman, the Chief Development Officer at Othram, explained how their technology works. Unlike traditional methods, Othram's approach does not need to know the suspect's identity beforehand. It can take DNA from a crime scene and determine who left it there. This is a game-changer for cold cases.Othram's technology has already made a significant impact. In 1974, Carla Walker was tragically murdered. Her case went cold for decades. But with Othram's help, the Fort Worth police were able to make an arrest. They used DNA from old evidence to build a profile and identify a suspect. This success story is not just about one case. It shows the potential of advanced DNA technology in solving cold cases. The Carla Walker Act has been introduced in Congress to fund similar pilot programs. This could mean more cases being solved in the future. David Mittelman, the founder of Othram, hopes their technology can help solve more high-impact problems. With their advanced methods, they are bringing new hope to families and communities affected by unsolved crimes.