OLYMPIA, Wash.-The State Legislature recently approved funding for genetic genealogy and DNA testing for the backlog of unidentified remains in Washington.
State Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Office announced the $500,000 in funding on Monday, March. 11.
The funding will supplement existing state and federal DNA testing resources to help in the identification of the 163 unidentified human remains currently awaiting further testing in Washington, according to the AG’s Office.
“Timely DNA testing can bring a measure of closure and help solve more cold cases,” Attorney General Ferguson said. “Families should never have to endure unnecessary delays when seeking answers about their missing loved ones.”
Genetic genealogy combines DNA with genealogical research using publicly available ancestry data.
According to the AG’s Office, the primary impediment to the use of genetic genealogy has been the cost, with testing of individual remains costs approximately $2,500 and forensic genetic genealogy costs approximately $8,000.
The Attorney General’s Office and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force lobbied for the funding to help clear the backlog of unidentified remains.
“I’m pleased the Washington State Attorney General’s Office heard the voices of families in our pursuit to know the status of unidentified remains,” said MMIWP task force member Patricia Whitefoot said.
Funding under the 2024 budget will provide the Washington State Patrol with the resources to provide financial help to local law enforcement agencies for the testing of remains.
According to the AG’s Office, funds will be available for initial DNA testing and if that fails to provide an identification, funding will pay for forensic genetic genealogy.
