Could ‘partial-match DNA’ help solve cold cases? Bill filed on behalf of Molly Bish family would give investigators new tool, but privacy concerns abound
MassLive.com
1 hr ago
Patrick Johnson, masslive.com
SPRINGFIELD — A bill filed on behalf of Molly Bish’s family would expand the use of DNA in criminal investigations, allowing investigators to look for partial matches and narrow down the field of potential suspects in cold cases.
But the proposal is met with serious questions about privacy and police and prosecutorial overreach — even from prosecutors themselves.
The bill, S.1595 — an Act Permitting Familial Searching and Partial DNA Matches in Investigating Certain Unsolved Cases — was filed by State Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, and Rep. Todd Smola, R-Warren. In March, it was forwarded to the Public Safety and Homeland Safety Committee for review.